For many traditionalists, hot cross buns are a ritualistic part of the Easter holiday. While a batch of the baked goods can be whipped up whenever, the buns really come into their own at this time of the year.
While the versatile spiced buns are typically only stocked in supermarkets throughout the first four months of the year, many of us really go the whole hog. With some retailers bringing out the buns as early as January, many Kiwis find themselves dropping a six-pack in their trolley week-on-week.
So it's really no surprise that in the lead-up to Easter, a lot of us have well and truly done the bun to death. We've had enough - we've exhausted our enjoyment and are quite happy to not touch another until next year.
But never fear, as the culinary connoisseurs of the internet have conjured up a delicious way to revamp the humble HCB. People are currently singing the praises of 'hot cross bun chips', which tastemakers have delectably described as 'Easter-themed churros'.
Simply slice the buns into rectangular pieces, toss the batons in melted butter, cinnamon and sugar, then chuck 'em in the air fryer - hey presto, you have crispy, churro-esque treats that can be dipped in melted chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.
Mama Mia, Australia's largest independent women's media group, has shared a super simple recipe for the delicious, dunkable bites - Easter breakfast, anyone?
Hot Cross Bun Chips
Ingredients
- 3 traditional fruit hot cross buns
- 50g butter, melted
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 0.25 cup melted chocolate or store-bought chocolate sauce.
Method
- Cut each bun in half widthways, then cut each half into three batons.
- Place the slices into a bowl and drizzle over half of the melted butter. Toss, drizzle over the remaining butter and toss again.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the top and toss to coat.
- Place the sugar on a plate. In batches, press the batons into the sugar mixture to coat them on all sides.
- Arrange the batons in a single layer in the basket of your airfryer. Set the temperature to 180C and time to seven minutes and cook until golden.
- Serve hot, with melted chocolate on the side for dipping. You could also serve the 'chips' with vanilla yoghurt or maple syrup.
