Raisin the bar: There's more to hot cross buns than meets the eye

From a monk's invention to a 213-year-old bun, here are some sweet facts you might not know about the studded bun that's gracing bakery shelves, cafe windows - and our bellies. Plus five ways to wow with a home-baked bun.

Buns at the ready: this recipe and more is waiting here for you! Source: Derek Swalwell

Hot cross buns are always pretty hot this time of year. Alongside chocolate bunnies, these buns shine in the lead up to Easter.

They're sweet, soft, leavened buns, often with currants, dried fruit, flavoured with spices and marked with an icing-style cross and usually enjoyed with a nice slab of butter. So, what is it about these buns that makes them such a hit? 

For many, the humble hot cross bun goes beyond any other sweet bread. They're held high on a pedestal and have a pretty established rep. So it comes as no surprise that where you buy them, how you enjoy them and most certainly when they're available, comes into play. 

Read the full article in English here.