Easter hot cross buns

1.Combine l00ml of the milk with the l teaspoon of caster sugar. Sprinkle with the yeast and leave for 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy.

2.Sift the flour, salt and mixed spice in a large bowl. Add the remaining sugar and orange zest and mix to combine.

3.Make a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture, remaining milk, butter and egg. Mix until a loose dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-l0 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4.Knead in the currants, then transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover with a tea towel and leave in a draught-free place to rise for l l/2 hours or until doubled in size.

5.Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Punch the dough down and divide into 12 even pieces. Roll each ball of dough until smooth, then transfer to the prepared tray, leaving a small gap between each and making 4 rows of 3 buns.

6.Cover the tray with a tea towel and leave the buns to rise for another 40 minutes.

7.Mix 3 tablespoons of flour with enough water to form a smooth, thick paste for piping the crosses. Transfer to a plastic bag (snap-lock bags work well) and cut a small hole in one corner of the bag. Pipe crosses on to the buns. Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.

8.For the glaze, place the sugar and water into a small saucepan and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Brush buns with the glaze while hot. Serve the buns warm with butter and honey.