Author Notes
It’s that time of year again, as soon as Valentines Day is over the aisles are filled up with the usual suspects; chocolate Easter eggs, those damn creme eggs or anything else Easter related, oh and not to mention the array of Hot Cross Buns on offer. I can only imagine how much will-power it takes to just keep on walking past the stacks of Easter goodies on offer this season.
This recipe was created to cater to those that love to indulge in all the Easter festivities (aka Hot Cross Buns) but are still mindful of staying bloat free and energized afterwards. These hot cross buns contain no egg, dairy or refined sugar and the only fat content present is a few tablespoons of coconut oil. However, the gluten part was a must as sometimes bread just "kneads" it.
However, the type of wholegrain flour used here is called Khorosan. The KHORASAN grain is one of the oldest known to man and has a great number of advantages over normal wheat for many people with wheat intolerances. It is extremely gentle to the digestive system and many people who experience a variety of symptoms such as bloating, indigestion and rashes (often associated with wheat gluten) find that khorasan is the ideal alternative. In addition, Khorasan is great for those who suffer from fructose malabsorption. —Peanut Head
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Ingredients
- Dough
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3 cups
Khorasan wholegrain flour
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1 cup
Warm Non Dairy Milk (almond or cashew)
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2 1/2 tablespoons
Coconut Oil
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1/2 cup
Coconut water
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2 teaspoons
Mixed spice
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2 teaspoons
Cinnamon
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1 teaspoon
Bakers yeast
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3/4 cup
Sultanas
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1 tablespoon
Coconut Sugar
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1/2 teaspoon
Pink Salt
- Crosses and Glaze
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2 tablespoons
Wholegrain flour
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2 tablespoons
Water
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1 tablespoon
Rice malt syrup
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2 tablespoons
Coconut Water
Directions
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Whisk the warm milk with your yeast and coconut sugar for 30 seconds and let it sit while it froths up
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In a large bowl mix together your flour, mixed spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and sultanas
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Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in your coconut oil, yeast mixture and coconut water, mix well with a metal spoon until it forms a sticky dough
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On a lightly floured surface knead the dough with your hands for about 8 minutes until the dough is no longer sticky and doesn't leave any dough on your hands as you knead.
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Place your dough in a large metal bowl or greased regular bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and place in a warm spot for 1 hour to rise or until it has doubled in size. *Note the longer you leave the bread to rise the better. If it is cold in your house cover with cling wrap and pop in the oven on a really low heat of around 40c, keeping the door open
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Once your dough has doubled in size it is ready for the next kneading step
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Here’s a good chance to let out all your frustrations from your day. Give the dough a good bash to get the air out of it and knead it for a further few minutes on a non floured surface until your dough reaches an elastic consistency.
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Cut your dough into 8 even pieces, to ensure they all bake at an even rate, they should weigh in at about 100g each
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Preheat oven to 375f fan bake.
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Spray oil in a loaf tin (approx. 22cm long x 13cm wide) and place the individual dough balls in 2 wide x 4 long. Push them down slightly to fit them nicely against each other, they should be snug but not cramped.
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Cover your loaf tin with a damp tea towel and leave for another 40 minutes to allow to rise by at least 1 cm.
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While your buns rise, whisk together your flour and water for your crosses to form a thick paste, spoon into a piping bag or a freezer bag with a cut on the corner does the trick.
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To achieve your signature cross on each bun, pipe the flour mixture over the buns in one long line over the length and widths of each of the buns
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Pop your buns in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are firm to the touch
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While they're cooking prepare your glaze simply by mixing the rice malt syrup with your coconut water and set aside.
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Once buns are done, remove from the oven and brush over the tops with your glaze mix.
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Set aside for 5 - 10 minutes to allow to cool down.
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Enjoy warm on their own or toasted with some delicious spreads such as nut butter and maple syrup, jam or vegan margarine.
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