National Day of Reflection and Hot Cross Buns

My first instinct was to offer up a prayer today and nothing more. No recipes. To do so seemed to dishonor the day. But then I thought about it and realize that you can remember with honor. The lives lost should be celebrated for having lived at all.

On September 11, 2001 the world forever changed. Two days later, on September 13, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14th as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of the attacks of September 11th. In August of following year, President Bush expanded it to National Days of Prayer, beginning on Friday, September 6 and concluding on Sunday, September 8, 2002. In early September, President Bush also proclaimed September 11, 2002 as the first Patriot Day. Fourteen years later, in September 2016, President Barack Obama changed Patriot Day to reflect more than just an American Day to remember. It is now Patriot Day and Nation Day of Service and Remembrance. Oh but it did not stop there. In 2017 and 2018, President Donald Trump declared September 8-10 as Nation Days of Prayer and Remembrance, proclaiming September 11 as Patriot Day. He made the distinction so that there would be a long pause to honor the memory of the people who died, followed by a day to stand together as one Nation.

I consider myself a Patriot as I love my country dearly. However; September 11th isn’t just about America. The worldly impact of that day has yet to be fully appreciated, as the lessons have yet to be completely understood. If I were president, September 11th would be National Day of Reflection and Remembrance. Remembrance to honor all those who died, and are continuing to die. More importantly, today should be a day of reflection. There is evil in this world and it walks among us is the form of hatred and hearts that are hard.

The best way to honor today would be to reach out to one another. To speak kindly to one another. To embrace one another with hearts filled with so much love, there is no room for anger or hatred or bitterness. For me personal, today must include the Cross in some fashion. Whatever it means for you, let that be a part of your day.

Traditional Hot Cross Buns
The Buns
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) Active Dry Yeast
2 cups warm Whole Milk (110 to 115 degrees)
2 large Eggs
1/3 cup Butter, softened
1/4 cup Sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground Allspice
6 to 7 cups Flour
1/2 cup dried Currants
1/2 cup Golden Raisins
1 large Egg Yolk
2 tablespoons Water

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, butter, sugar, salt, spices, yeast mixture and 3 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in currants, raisins and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch down the dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide and shape into 30 balls. Place 2-inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until doubled, 30-45 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 375-degrees.

Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each bun. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk and water; brush over tops.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool slightly.

The Icing
1-1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
4 to 6 teaspoons Whole Milk

For icing, in a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency.

Pipe a cross on top of each bun. Serve warm.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen