Hot Cross Buns - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. milk, scalded
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 pkg. yeast, softened in 1/4 c. warm water
4 1/2 c. flour
3 egg yolks
1 c. raisins (optional)

Preparation

Add scalded milk to salt, sugar and shortening.
Cool to lukewarm.
Add softened yeast and 1 1/2 cups flour.
Beat well and let rise until very light.
Add egg yolks and remaining flour. Knead lightly.
Let rise until doubled in bulk.
Roll out to 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds.
Set these close together on a greased pan and let rise.
Glaze the surface of each bun with a little egg white diluted with water.
With a sharp knife, cut a cross on top.
Bake about 20 minutes in a 400\u00b0 oven.
Just before removing from the oven, brush with sugar and water.
Fill the cross with plain frosting when cooled.
May also be baked in round loaves.