CHOCOLATE ORANGE HOT CROSS BUNS

350 mls water
2 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
finely grated rind 2 oranges
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
4 cups plain flour
1 tablespoon cocoa, sifted
1 heaped teaspoon bread improver
1 1/2 teaspoons dried yeast

1 cup dark choc chips

IN A BREAD MACHINE....place all the ingredients, except the choc chips,  in the above order.  set on dough setting.

add choc chips when it's been kneading for 15 minutes.

when machine has finished, tip dough out onto a floured board, knead lightly then cut dough into 12 equal pieces.

roll each piece into a ball and place on a tray lined with baking paper.  cover with a tea towel and place in a warm spot for 1 hour. balls should have doubled in size.

heat oven to 190 c.

pipe on crosses and cook for approx. 20 minutes or until buns sound hollow when tapped.  

remove from oven and glaze.

FOR ELECTRIC MIXER.....place all ingredients except choc chips in bowl and using a dough hook, knead for 15 minutes then add choc chips and knead another 5 minutes. cover bowl with a tea towel and place in a warm spot for 1 hour.

punch down dough, tip onto a floured board and knead lightly.

cut dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls.  place on a tray lined with baking paper and cover with a teatowel. place in a warm spot for 1 hour. balls should have double in size.

pipe on crosses and cook as above.



CROSSES
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 tablespoon cocoa, sifted
5 1/2 tablespoons water

mix all together till well combined and a smooth paste.

GLAZE

2 tablespoons caster sugar
2 tablespoons boiling water

stir till sugar is dissolved and brush over hot buns.