Cinnamon Choc Chip Hot Cross Buns

One of my favourite things about Easter is the hot cross buns, especially toasted with melted butter on top. I don't mind the traditional ones with sultanas but my favourite would have to be choc chip ones. When I found this recipe for Cinnamon Choc Chip ones, while I was searching for something to cook for Easter, on Not Quite Nigella's website I knew I had to try making them myself. And I'm so glad that I did! There were a few comments that I read on NQN's site, that said that these buns were like a combination of cinnamon scrolls and hot cross buns, and I have to agree with them. I also really liked the fact that the cross was made out of white chocolate - so much better than the usual tasteless crosses on hot cross buns.

Hot Cross Buns, just made

The buns tasted just as good the day after. I went with my sister, Bern, my brother in law, Tom, my nephews, Archie and Lenny and a couple of my sister's friends, Chek and her son Buster and Emma, to the dawn service for ANZAC day. ANZAC day is a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand to honour the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) who fought in Gallipoli in World War 1. Since World War II, though, ANZAC day became a day to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who fought and died in war, from the World Wars, to Vietnam, to the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We decided to go to the dawn service at the memorial cross at the top of Mt Macedon, and I'm so glad I decided to go and brave the 4.15am wake up. I've never been to a dawn service before and it was very moving and thought provoking. 

Memorial Cross, Mt Macedon

Since ANZAC day is a public holiday, we headed back to my sisters afterwards for breakfast, which included my hot cross buns, or Claire buns as my sister's friend nicknamed them. They went down perfectly with the coffee my brother in law, Tom, made and got many compliments! 

Hot Cross Buns & Coffee

Recipe Source:
Not Quite Nigella website