Getting my Hot Cross Buns going for tomorrow.
First, put on a lovely vintage apron given by a sweet friend. Pockets are so very happy-making.
Use any sweet roll recipe.
You will be adding raisins and using honey for the sugar if you like.
See that jar on the right? That is your ticket to lovely, light, airy, toothsome bread. It's a total secret.
It's…
…potato water.
When you boil your potatoes, always keep the water. If you put it boiling hot into a clean (dishwashed or sterilized) mason jar, it will keep in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just substitute from 1/4 to 1 cup of this liquid (with the solids if any got in there, it doesn't matter) for whatever your recipe calls for. You will see. It will transform everything. Try it in your pizza dough.
We usually have HCB during the day for Ash Wednesday as well as Good Friday… along with whatever keeps us going (more for the kids, less for the adults). With a piece of cheese they are quite filling.
You can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the white (I use white wheat flour from King Arthur). With the potato water, this will not be the heavy dank bread you might worry about.
Do you happen to have any leftover oatmeal porridge?
Throw that into your warm milk/butter/egg mixture.
In a mildly schizophrenic, at least culinarily speaking, way, we also always have mujadara for supper. I make it with cracked wheat rather than rice, usually about two parts wheat to one part lentils. I have a can of stuffed grape leaves I can open, and pita bread will round it out. Hot Cross Buns just don't go with that meal, obviously. Yet, they must be made.
If you want to read a bit about what I wrote about Lent last year, you can go here. But I'll tell you, I dread Lent because of one thing.
Listen, I'm all for getting holy and being all penitential, and I have the humility thing almost perfected now, so it's all good. But giving up ice cream!! Oh. It's so hard. Poor me, poor me! Go ahead, tell me about how you don't eat meat for 40 days and you sleep on the floor. That's what the comments are for.
As I told you in this strangely titled post, I'm going to be talking about what it really means to be a woman – and even more than that! I'll be musing on how women who embrace their vocation are going to be transforming the culture. Along with our wonderful, strong husbands. It will be like a window into the bracing truth, and if that post title is any indication, my skills are quite up to the job.
I don't care. I have been thinking about this for about twenty years, and I've decided the time has come for me to write something down. So, as I said, if you want to read along so that you know what the heck I'm babbling about, you can get On the Dignity and Vocation of Woman here, and you can order Leisure: The Basis of Culture here.
We will also talk more about cleaning, of course. I just love cleaning, don't you? No, me neither.
Another secret to good bread is to give the dough a rest. When you mix it up and it looks like this, don't keep beating it to get it to look smooth.
Just cover it and walk away. In February just before Lent begins, stay away for about an hour. In July, 20 minutes should do it.
Then proceed with your recipe. Just this little change to your method will give you better results in your bread, I think!
Bethany says
Thank you for your last year's post on Lent. So good for me to hear to prepare my heart. I am not Catholic but I still find much to learn from your posts! Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts.
Anonymous says
You're a funny girl Leila. We love you. Thanks for writing! (Linda)
Mary says
I am looking forward to reading along with you. My brain may explode but I will step outside my comfort zone and learn something new. the books arrived this afternoon…so here we go!
LJtravelsTHEworld says
"I'm going to be talking about what it really means to be a woman – and even more than that! I'll be musing on how women who embrace their vocation are going to be transforming the culture. Along with our wonderful, strong husbands."Count me in! I'm all for changing the culture by embracing homemaking! And if you know anyone available "wonderful, strong husband" material, just let me know so I can really get started!:)
Mama Bean says
I am giving up flavoured drinks for Lent. As in, I will only be drinking water – no coffee, tea, juice, pop, etc.And I'll be closing the computer down at 6pm each day. We'll see.
Sue says
I have been dreaming of hot cross buns! Is that bad, considering it's Lent and all?I am looking forward to the discussion, too!
Faithemmanuel says
My hot cross buns always turn out to be truly penitential. I will have to try the potato water idea. We are giving up coffee, meat and sweets for Lent. I'm expecting our Sundays to be truly whole-hog.
Kalee says
I work on myself every Lent. As in, ahem, using better language even when I slam my arm so hard into the laptop walking past the husband with it that I have a bruise 2 weeks later! Anytime I use one of the words I am giving up, I owe money to a jar (alms). Other than that we don't tend to give anything up, rather we try to cut back, be conscientious about decisions. Such as, not eating out so much because I was called to be a wife, and I should probably get my bum in the kitchen and cook (which I love to do, only I tend to forget). And I finally figured out what it is that I like about your writing so much. You write very similar to how my Mother In Law talks, and I just love her to pieces!
Mominapocket says
I will be reading along with you and following the discussion…so glad you chose this topic.I have also been thinking about this for the past twenty years. NANCY
Lori and David says
Thanks for giving me the kick in the butt to finally read "Dignity"; my sister-in-law gave it to me 8 years ago as a wedding present, and I think I was mildly insulted. Maybe now I'm less proud…Any traditional reason for hot cross buns on Ash Wednesday?
Margo says
So you can keep potato water indefinitely in the fridge?? I freeze mine cause I didn't know that. I think you're also supposed to boil it again (and cool it) before using to kill some kind of enzyme. . .but I would appreciate your wisdom on this, as you know your way around potato water!Children need to eat lunch or I would comment more 🙂
Sophie Miriam says
I'll tell you what I hate most about Lent, or rather the days on which one has to fast: trying to figure out how much of a sandwich plus one apple plus a bowl of cereal equals how much soup and a roll!
regan says
i am usually just a lurker here, but i have to say that i just love your blog. all of it. i look forward to your posts on being a real woman. i can use all the help i can get on that! and thanks for the bread tips. making good bread is an endeavor close to my heart and i am always striving to find ways to make it BETTER!wishing you a holy and productive lent.
Kate says
Leila…Thank you!! I found your blog last month. I have 8 children ages 2-19. I lost my mom 5 years ago. You are much younger than she was, but I feel mothered by your posts. You gently guide me to do what I ought to be doing and you remind me not to be too hard on myself. Just like my mom!She loved to quilt, smock, paint and she absolutely loved my Dad, us kids, our spouses and all the grandkids! I often think what a treasure your blog will be for all of your family well into the future!I love your photos. I love your baking tips, I need your cleaning, laundry and menu planning posts!! I will be joining you in your Lented reading.Thank you! Thank you!!
LJtravelsTHEworld says
Auntie Leila-Re: your Twitter post on Life Teen. ¨Question LifeTeen. Reject LifeTeen.¨ While obviously the actions of the founder were very wrong, are we sure that his actions and beliefs have influenced the organization irreparably? According to the press release on the LifeTeen website, the organization had distanced itself from its founder for the past several years. Is there something I´m missing? http://catholicyouthministry.com/letter-regarding-the-laicization-of-dale-fushekMany thanks. 🙂
Leila says
Hi Dear Lauren,The fatal flaw of a leader is narcissism. This dire psychological disorder penetrates everything the person touches.You have to assume — in other words, it is prudent to proceed as if — the organization not only embodies the characteristics of its founder — centering on narcissism — but also that those who helped him, were his closest advisers, and continue his work, could not have helped being aware of his defects.This means that they themselves –unwittingly, perhaps — enabled the perpetuation of a certain way of acting. Not necessarily anything sinful, but not anything healthy either. (Which is not to say that I don't appreciate the good intentions or even good fruits that have come from this movement. I think we can admit that things are complicated.)The way these fundamental approaches get transmitted is subtle and pernicious (if they are good things, rather than disorders, then the way is subtle and beautiful — you can see that each foundation in the Church has its own particular charism and personality, directly inherited from its founder, usually a saint). It's not enough to say words of orthodoxy. It's how the organization DOES things that matters.In a religious organization, particularly one aimed at young people, where the founder is vicious, yes, the whole thing must be questioned.Just on the face of it I have always thought LifeTeen was not in keeping with Catholic traditional culture. I have many, many issues that can't really be entered into in the combox. Let's say that this whole blog is ordered towards a different view of what it takes to bring children up in the faith.With the revelations of the past five years of the founder, yes, I think it should be rejected.Start again, this time without the adolescent nonsense. And I do think that one can do apostolate with adolescents without pandering to their weaknesses — but only if one is free from them oneself."Believe me, many a sermon or devotive/Exordium issues from an evil motive." The Pardoner, Canterbury Tales
Sophie Miriam says
IIRC, there was an official Vatican statement that even though the founder of LifeTeen is all messed up, it doesn't affect LifeTeen itself, and that LifeTeen should not be blackened by the darkness of the founder.I still hate LifeTeen, though. 😛
Stephmomof6 says
Dearest Leila,I am so happy to have found your blog. I never learned to cook or clean growing up and I now have 6 children that I homeschool. Due to a huge reversal of finances, I am finding myself needing to learn to be frugal and desiring to make support my husband by being a better homemaker. Anyway, I have learned much from you and look forward to helping my children to discover the value of making a house a home for those you love.God bless your family.
Freckled Hen says
Yes, the ice cream. I shall go back and read last years post, I remember being very inspired by it…as I always am when visiting here.
LJtravelsTHEworld says
Auntie Leila,Thank you for your thoughtful response to my question. I will ponder your points as I continue to think about the issue.:) Lauren/LFS/LJtTw
Faithemmanuel says
I agree with you about Lifeteen. May God give us the wisdom to provide our children with the real meat of the faith! I know that's what my parents did with us– and as a result myself and all four of my siblings are happily, faithfully Catholic!Faith
HollyElise says
I've just given you an award through my blog! Come see!http://starlithome.blogspot.com/
Crafty P says
Just made mashed potatoes last week and froze my potato water. My mom started me on that trend. It makes a luscious gravy. And now, I have another use for it. But first, I must overcome my fear of bread making and all things including yeast.
Anonymous says
Leila, I feel your pain about giving up the ice cream! We also have a little bowl before bed – it is just so satisfying. Thanks for the advice on how to store potato water. My Grandmother always added it to her bread – I guess I have never caught on to the habit but am going to give it a try. Oh and I loved your post from last year as well. Next Friday I am going to give that lentil recipe a try – looks yummy.Betsy
messy bessy says
We save the Hot Cross Buns for Good Friday only, and I have to say they aren't very penitential, even when they are almost the only thing we eat! I use the Continual Feast recipe, and the result is delicious.This year I am giving up a bad habit, as well as wine & beer. For prayer am trying to meditate every morning even though it is like Chinese water torture, getting up early enough. For almsgiving, just trying to be generous where I can. (My dh's been out of work since Sept.)
Jen says
the mujadara was wonderful!
Rochelle says
Proceed? Oooh dear….more details needed!
Leila says
Well, Rochelle, the point of this somewhat disjointed post was just to give a couple of tips to apply to your regular recipe. So, proceed with your recipe.I find it hard to imagine that people need recipes from me — the world is so crowded with them!But maybe a couple of methods can be helpful.
Candice says
Hi Leila, Tonight I remembered to keep the potato water! Yes, it's only taken me about a year. It's very hot here in Australia, and I guess I was very interested in dinner, just making it out of habit. So I had more time to think of other things like keeping the potato water. Of course, I couldn't actually remember what I was keeping it for lol. So a quick google search, and here it is – the secret to baked goodness. I look forward to giving it a try. Thank you
wendy says
We don’t keep lent, but we live in an area where many of our friends and neighbors do. I have loved learning more about it on your blog! And though we don’t have a lent tradition in our family, I have decided to do a few things “lent-like” for our kids. What a wonderful way to focus on the Savior and prepare for Easter!! I was surprised last night (Ash Wednesday) when my 15 year old daughter came home from school and said she is giving up a couple of social media things (twitter and Instagram) for Lent, thanks to friends who keep lent… I am giving up cookies, and working to have a good attitude as I clean up dinner (for some reason dinner clean up turns me in to a crazy person.) Thanks!