Since I had been posting Lenten reminders since Septuagesima Sunday (and think I have gotten the hang of spelling that), I forgot to give you a nudge this last time about a couple of things to get ready for Ash Wednesday, this Wednesday!
First: I always am a little behind in remembering to get my Hot Cross Buns going, so this is me reminding us both. Hot Cross buns are a memory-forming way to start Lent (as well as to finish it on Good Friday), and traditional here in New England — are they where you are? The bakeries and supermarkets always put them out in this season.
I always did make mine “loaded” for hungry kids who are not going to get any snacks or much in the way of expansive meals on this day, but you can “unload” (leave out eggs and butter) for your own purposes.
As usual, I don't have a recipe for you, because I just wing it. I am deeply regretful of and apologetic for this tendency universal practice of mine, so unhelpful for someone who has a homemaking blog.
But the basic idea is as follows:
Use any sweet roll recipe (but double or triple for your crowd) and add raisins, dried cranberries, and nuts if everyone can eat them. Use honey if you don't want to put in sugar, and you can swap mild oil for the butter. Shape rolls — and a new thing I learned: Make crosses with a paste of flour and water, as in this more informative post. Much easier than trying to drizzle sugar glaze on warm buns, and a bit more in keeping with the penitential aspect as well.
I have learned a transformative fact for my baking: cinnamon inhibits yeast growth!
Using excessive amounts [but I have found even reasonable amounts] will delay fermentation and the proofing of dough due to the spice’s antifungal properties. It can also cause the dough not to rise at all. Most of the time, yeast levels have to increase, for example in cinnamon rolls, to compensate.
OH! Every wonder why cinnamon bread has the spice swirled in rather than just added to the dough? Ever wonder why my hot cross buns are sometimes a bit stodgy? A while ago I was experimenting with sourdough waffles, following a recipe for “discard” that I found online, that includes cinnamon in the batter; I found that they were just heavy.
And then I read this startling bit of information about this spice and all became clear. So, note to self: put the cinnamon in the cross if you want to have it, but not in the dough.
Second: Dear Lydia of Fig and Thimble (and here on Instagram) has once again made a beautiful calendar for the family to track the journey. She has given me permission to post them (and you can find them here as well).
I recommend using a bit higher quality paper to print these out, if you happen to have some.
You can get the PDF: Lent 2023. This is the Byzantine version PDF: Lent 2023 Byzantine.
Or you can save these images to your computer for printing by right-clicking the one you want:
Search my Lent archives if you want lots more thoughts on preparation, spiritual as well as practical. Mainly, make or ready your prayer place and live your Lent.
May God bless us in this coming holy season!
Dixie says
Also, do, do consider getting Lydia’s sister Mary Rose’s book “The Cross Our Compass” for your older children’s (10+) Easter Baskets! Boys will especially love it, but I have found that girls enjoy it, too. I give it as a gift all the time and kids rave about it, and it is good history! https://www.etsy.com/listing/1104897292/the-cross-our-compass-signed-copy?click_key=c7749939174649042cc3652ec02b6fc14fd70033%3A1104897292&click_sum=bbbdc0c4&ref=shop_home_active_35
Kimberlee says
Thank you so much, Dixie! Mary Rose is grateful for your enthusiastic support. The book also makes a great Confirmation gift, and books can be purchased directly from quisutdeuspress.com as well. Blessed Lent to you and yours!
Dixie says
Kimberlee, you’re welcome!
Cynthia says
I love Lydia’s calendars–I’m so glad you put in the link for this year’s version.
Catherine says
A humble question about hot cross buns, a tradition I (Midwesterner) didn’t know about until reading it here—aren’t they, well, sweet? To me they look like eating a treat for breakfast on fasting days. Am I missing something?
Leila says
I make them with just a little sugar or honey. But you can leave it out. You can make them very plain. Such things are a matter of custom and preference. I know that our food on that day is extremely plain (not many would go for mujadarah!) and HCB are a traditional way of quelling hunger pains on a fasting day.
Anamaria says
My kids love mujadara, ha ha! I also don’t know about the HCB tradition except from the song.
Kimberly Murin says
Aaaggh! Jk wonder my sweetbread recipe failed to rise—cinnamon. Thanks for the tip!
Theodora says
Thank for the Orthodox version of the calendar! Lovely!
Anamaria says
How do I sign up for comments on the new post!?!
Leila says
The blog is getting back on its feet, but there are a few hiccups! Hang in there…
Anamaria says
Great! This melancholic is eager for cheerfulness tips from readers 🙂
Nicole Szpila says
Thank you for sharing the calendar!! I’m a little late to the game here, but our kids never mind a little extra coloring! 😉