A traditional favorite on Good Friday in England, Hot Cross Buns are a spicy currant or raisin studded yeast bun, topped with a "Cross" of lemon flavored icing. While Christians have adopted the cake and the symbolism of the cross, it wasn't always so. To Pagans then as now, the cross was symbolic of the sun wheel, which symbolizes perfect balance at the time of the Spring Equinox.

Hot Cross Buns were probably originally used in ceremonies and rituals and the Christian Church attempted to ban the buns, although they proved too popular. Left with no alternative but defeat, the church did the next best thing and "Christianized" the bread with Queen Elizabeth I passing a law which limited the bun's consumption to proper religious ceremonies, such as Christmas, Easter or funerals. [FabulousFoods.com] (via Nina)

1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 loaf French bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring until smooth and pour into a 13"x9"x2" baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reversing ends for another use. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.

In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 350° and bring bread to room temperature. Bake uncovered in middle of oven until puffed and golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

[Blue Max Innn] (via Nina)

Osterbrot auf holländische Art

Zutaten für 1 Portion:
2 kg Mehl, angewärmt
500 ml Milch, lauwarm
3 EL Zucker
8  Ei(er)
80 g Hefe, aufgelöst
1 kg Korinthen
1 Prise Salz
125 g Butter, zerlassen
1 EL Muskat, gerieben
10 g Zimt, gemahlen

Zubereitung:
Alle Zutaten in eine Schüssel geben und gut durchkneten. Teig am warmen Ort aufgehen lassen und zu einem runden Brot formen. Nochmals aufgehen lassen und mit Eigelb bestreichen. Bei Mittelhitze backen. Garprobe machen!

Man kann die Zutaten auch halbieren, wenn man nur ein kleines Brot backen möchte.

Zubereitungszeit: ca. 1 Std.

[Chefkoch] (via Nina)