The Sacred Hearth

Preheat the oven to 390°F.

Add the warm water to a medium sized bowl and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast granules over the top and put aside. Melt the butter and set aside. In a large bowl or electric mixer sift the flour, milk powder and spices and then add the dried fruits. When the yeast mix is frothy add to the flour and fruit and pour in the melted butter. Mix to combine and knead by hand until smooth or for about 8 minutes using a mixer with dough hook. Cover and set aside to double in size. Cut and shape 15 buns and place in a warm greased baking tin. Lightly beat the egg and thinly coat the tops of the buns with the egg wash using a pastry brush. Place the buns in a warm place to continue rising for around 40 minutes.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Cross variations:
1. Mix 5 tablespoons of flour with around one tablespoon of water, food coloring of your choice and a little sugar to make a firm dough. Roll into thin strips and place across the buns to form the crosses. Brush the strips with a little more egg wash BEFORE baking.
2. Mix 1/2 cup confectioners with 1/2 cup orange juice and a dash of milk. Draw crosses on top of the buns with this AFTER they are baked. (You can add food coloring to this too if you want to make it more festive.)