Date Buns
These Date Buns offer a delightful combination of sweet dates and a soft, fluffy texture, making them a comforting treat. The recipe, dating back to 1900, provides a taste of history with its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. These buns are perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, offering a satisfying and slightly sweet experience.
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/3 tablespoon Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Milk
- 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) Active dry yeast (Originally 'yeast cake'. Substituted with active dry yeast for modern convenience.)
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup Dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon Egg (For egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Milk (For egg wash)
Instructions
- 1In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the chopped dates. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and the yeast. Heat the milk and add the butter. When the butter is melted, let the milk mixture cool slightly. Add the milk mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring until the yeast is dissolved. Add the beaten egg to the milk mixture. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture.
- 2Mix thoroughly and turn the dough out onto a well-floured board. Knead for 2 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- 3Place the dough in a warm place and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces. Allow the pieces to rise for 10 minutes.
- 5Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash (1 tablespoon egg mixed with 1 tablespoon milk). Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.