One a Penny, Two a Penny! Hot Cross Buns!

Half for you and half for me,

Between us two shall goodwill be

Many might know the old nursery rhyme that goes:

Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns!

One a penny, two a penny - Hot cross buns

If you have no daughters, give them to your sons

One a penny, two a penny - Hot cross buns

English folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. One of them says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or become moldy during the subsequent year. Another encourages keeping such a bun for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone who is ill is said to help them recover.

The cross is said to represent the crucifix and was originally baked and given to the poor on Good Friday by a monk.

Because of the cross on the buns, some say they should be kissed before being eaten. If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwreck. If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fires and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly. The hanging bun is replaced each year.

Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be" is said at the time.

So for those of you who live far, consider this post my Good Friday gift to you...Hot Cross Buns.

The dough had just woken up from its nap in a warm place covered by a towel. It had doubled in size. This was very exciting for me as yeast is not always my friend and does not always behave as it should. (much like my children)

Here they are lined up and ready to bake. I sprinkled them with cinnamon sugar and raisins then made these little balls.

Oooohh, look how pretty right out of the oven. What's that? You say there is one missing? I caaaan't heeaaarrr yooouuu. lalalalalalalalala (fingers in my ears). Maybe the dogs ran through and grabbed one when I wasn't looking. Yeah, that must be it. Or maybe Poison Control stopped by? No one wants me to gift you food over the internet that could kill you.

The final product. Pretty and yummy and meaningful. What more can you ask from your food?