From the ABC radio cooking talkback segment yesterday, here is the recipe for easy fruit buns.

Fruit Buns

Makes 12

For the dough

80g butter

Finely grated rind one lemon

2 cups warm milk, approximately

4 cups plain flour

4 teaspoons dried yeast

1½ teaspoons salt

¼ cup sugar

2 teaspoons mixed spice (3 teaspoons of preferred)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (3 teaspoons of preferred)

2 cups mixed dried fruit (or dried fruit of choice) – about 375g

2 to 3 tablespoons honey or golden syrup for glazing

Method

Place the butter and lemon rind in a saucepan and melt over medium low heat. Add the milk and continue to heat until the mixture is just slightly above lukewarm.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, salt, sugar and spices. Make a well in the centre and pour in the liquid. Mix to a soft dough with a metal spoon.

Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave to rise until about doubled (approximately 1 hour).

Once the dough is risen line a baking tray, 25cm x 35cm approximately, with baking paper.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Press out to a rectangle and sprinkle one cup of the fruit over, then fold it into the dough. Press out to a rectangle once more and repeat the process with the remaining cup of fruit. Knead for 2 minutes.

Cut the dough into 12 pieces and shape each into a ball. Place side by side on the prepared tray, allowing a little space between.

Cover once more with a tea towel and allow to rise for 25 minutes.

Meanwhile heat oven to 190 degrees C.

Brush the risen buns gently with a little milk.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.

While still hot, brush with honey or golden syrup.

HINTS:

To reheat and refresh, microwave each bun on High for 20 to 30 seconds.

Include 1 tablespoon mashed potato in the dough. Reduce the liquid by 1 tablespoon correspondingly. The potato helps to keep the buns fresh.