Easter wouldn't be the same without hot cross buns. These spiced, glossy buns date back to the 14th century, according to
BBC Good Food . It's thought they were created by Thomas Rocliffe, a monk who distributed them to the poor on Good Friday. They were so popular that, by the 19th century, these sweet treats were widely eaten across the country to mark the end of Lent. The Independent , however, suggests that the tradition belonged to the ancient Egyptians, who adorned small bread rolls with crosses as a way of celebrating their gods. Today, you can eat these bread rolls with lashings of butter and in a multitude of different flavours from white chocolate and raspberry, Nutoka and sticky toffee to Bramley
Apple and chocolate. There are also free-from options too. The National Trust has shared a gorgeous recipe for hot cross bun bread and butter pudding, which makes for a great tea time treat this Easter . We're hoping it tastes as great as the puds in their cafes. Read more:
Women swear by 'game changing' menopause patches which help with sleep, low mood and hot flushes National Trust Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Ingredients 25g butter for greasing 8 hot cross buns 100g National Trust marmalade 75g dark chocolate, crumbled 3 free range eggs 250ml whole milk 100ml double cream 25g caster sugar 50g butter Method 1. Grease a 1 litre pie dish with the butter. Cut the hot cross buns in half. Spread each slice with the marmalade. 2. Arrange the bun halves in the dish, stacked up against each other, then sprinkle in chunks of chocolate and set aside. 3. Crack the eggs into a bowl and add the milk, cream and sugar. Use a balloon whisk or a fork to whisk until combined. 4. Pour the custard over the prepared hot cross buns and butter and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). 5. B reak the butter into small pieces and scatter over the top of the pudding. 6. Place the dish into the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top is golden brown. Serve immediately. Find out more and search additional recipes and days out ideas via the National Trust website. You can get great deals on days out and parking by becoming a National Trust member . In the above recipe, you could also substitute the hot cross buns with croissants, brioche or normal bread for a non-Easter alternative.