Hot Cross Yum!

Hi everyone - readers, friends, miscellaneous...

Today I had an early finish at work, which is rather rare. I spent the afternoon sat by the local canal reading my new recipe book in peace while the ducks swam by, it was rather blissful. My eldest daughter was allowed to stay up late with me and help make todays subject - a delicious pudding made from hot cross buns. We all have them left over after buying them BOGOF at the supermarket, so this is a great way to get shot of them and treat yourself to an indulgent, delicious and really simple pudding.

You'll need:

2 Eggs
250ml Milk
1 Tablespoon Caster Sugar
6 Hot Cross Buns
25g Butter, softened
75g Dark Chocolate Chips
A few drops of Vanilla Extract (or the scraped seeds of a vanilla pod if you prefer)

Simply half the buns and butter them generously on the insides. Lay the bottom halves in the bottom of a baking dish, and sprinkle over about 2/3 of the chocolate chips before putting the tops back on. Beat the rest of the ingredients together well, and pour the liquid over the buns evenly. Sprinkle over the rest of the Chocolate, then bake for about 25-30 minutes at 160 degrees until just set.

Then serve and enjoy with your feet up watching TV, or with your family after a nice dinner. Not much simpler than that, but I guarantee you will love it. No picture today I'm afraid - we demolished it before I remembered to take one! Feel free to add your own little touches too, that's the beauty of cooking I feel. I'm sure some Orange Zest would be lovely, or how about some more unusual ingredients like Cardomom in the custard?

I have some very tasty meals planned this week and weekend including Salmon En Croute, Beef and Red Wine Casserole with Mustard Mash, Lambs Liver with Caramelised Onions and some Spiced Pork Chops which I will of course share as I go - so stay tuned!

Peace, Health, and great food to all!

Tony