In the realm of baked goods, the Cornish saffron bun stands apart in both flavor and visual appeal. Often referred to as ‘revel buns’ or ‘tea treat buns,’ these delicacies are a traditional favorite amongst the Cornish and others in the United Kingdom. The secret to their unique charm lies in the rare spice from which they get their name – saffron. With its vibrant golden color and distinctively opulent taste, saffron lends itself beautifully to these sweet, fragrant buns. Today, we will guide you through the process of making these masterpieces at home.
Before you commence on any culinary adventure, it’s essential to have all your ingredients in place. The foundation of Cornish saffron buns, like any bread, begins with flour, sugar, and yeast. The addition of saffron, milk, and butter brings a unique richness to the dough. All these ingredients will work together to achieve a soft, delicate crumb inside and a perfectly golden glaze on the outside.
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Start with warming the milk slightly, just until it’s tepid. Add a pinch of saffron threads to the warm milk and leave it to infuse for a few minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the saffron to impart its exquisite color and aroma to the milk.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast. Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. It should froth when mixed with warm liquid. Once you have all the dry ingredients mixed together, it’s time to add the wet ingredients.
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The process of making bread dough can seem daunting, but with a little patience and practice, you will find it to be a rewarding exercise. In this section, we will guide you step by step on how to make Cornish saffron bun dough.
Pour the saffron-infused milk into the flour mixture. Also, add the melted butter. Mix the ingredients together until they begin to form a dough. You can use a wooden spoon to bring the dough together initially, but as it begins to form, you’ll want to use your hands to knead the dough.
Kneading is a simple process of pushing and folding the dough, then turning it and pushing and folding again — a rhythmic push, fold, turn. This process helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
It’s important not to add too much additional flour during the kneading process, as this can make the bread dense and heavy. The dough should be slightly sticky but should not stick to your hands or the bowl.
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. The rising process is called ‘proofing’ and can take anywhere from 1-2 hours.
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your buns. Shaping is a critical step in making bread, as it affects both the appearance and the texture of the final product.
First, gently deflate the dough and divide it into equal portions. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy. Form each portion into a ball by tucking the edges under and rolling it on the counter. Place the shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again until they have nearly doubled in size. This second rise, known as ‘proofing,’ is another important step that contributes to the light and airy texture of the final buns.
While your buns are proofing, preheat your oven to 200°C (around 400°F). Once the buns have risen, brush them with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a little milk. This creates a golden, shiny glaze when the buns are baked.
Bake the buns for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Finally, after all your work, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread permeating your home, and these saffron buns are no exception.
Traditionally, Cornish saffron buns are enjoyed with clotted cream and jam. The rich, buttery cream and the sweet jam perfectly complement the subtle saffron flavor in the buns. You can also enjoy them plain as a snack or with a cup of tea. The buns are best served warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
It’s important to remember that baking is as much an art as it is a science. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch of buns isn’t perfect. Practice makes perfect, and each time you make this recipe, you’ll get better and better.
In summary, there’s a certain charm in making traditional recipes like these Cornish saffron buns. They connect us to a rich culinary heritage and offer us a taste of a different place and time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, we encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful flavors of these traditional English buns.
Now that the steps of creating your Cornish saffron buns are clear, we can delve deeper into the journey of baking. From the gathering of ingredients to the moment you savor the first bite, baking Cornish saffron buns is a joyous experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Laying your hands on the caster sugar, bread flour, and the star ingredient, saffron, sets the stage for a culinary masterpiece. All the components work in harmony, from the yeast frothing when mixed with warm liquid, to the saffron infusing its vibrant color and aroma into the milk.
As you knead the dough, you’re not just mixing ingredients. You’re crafting a timeless delicacy that’s been relished generation after generation. This dough, once a simple combination of flour, sugar, and yeast, morphs under your hands into a fragrant, golden entity of its own that’s a treat to the senses.
When the dough has doubled in size, it’s a moment of triumph. Your patience during the proofing process, ensuring the dough rests in a warm place, has paid off. As you shape the dough into buns, you’re on the brink of a delightful conclusion.
The final act of baking transforms these dough balls into golden, shiny buns. The heat of the oven, set at the right temperature, works its magic, and what emerges is a testament to your skills and dedication.
When you bite into the warm, soft buns, the clotted cream and jam melting into the subtle saffron flavor, you realize that all the effort was worth it.
Baking Cornish saffron buns is a journey that takes you through a myriad of delightful experiences. From preparing your ingredients to crafting the dough, and finally, enjoying the result of your hard work, it’s a process steeped in tradition and love. The golden color and unique flavor of saffron, combined with the soft texture of the buns, make them a treat to remember.
Accompanied by clotted cream and jam, they transport you to a different place and time. Whether in December, November, or even in the summer months of June, July, or August, these traditional Cornish buns make a perfect treat.
Remember, the art of baking is all about patience and practice. If your first batch didn’t turn out perfect, don’t lose heart. Be patient, adjust your techniques if necessary, and keep trying. As you continue to bake, you will find the process becomes easier, and your buns will get better each time.
In the end, it’s not just about baking a bun. It’s about embracing a piece of heritage, showcasing your creativity, and sharing a delightful treat with your loved ones. After all, happiness is often found in the simplest of things, and a batch of warm, homemade Cornish saffron buns is one such thing. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and happy baking!