WHEEL BUNS

Another old recipe, but I am not completely sure if they are Cornish. The ingredients would point to it, but it was given to me by an old aunt and she was not Cornish.

Start off the night before, or early morning. Allowing at least a couple of hours for the fruit mix to cool. In a small saucepan place a cup of currants, a cup of raisins or sultanas, half a cup of any type of sugar. I used caster but light muscovado is good. Then add a teaspoon of mixed spice and the zest of half a lemon.  Add a splash of brandy then a little water until the fruit is nearly covered. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 mins. Then cool and add some chopped mixed peel to taste, but I used Sainburys lovely candied lemon strips and chopped them myself, very finely.  As it cools the liquid will be absorbed by the fruit, making them plump and juicy. You can use orange or lemon juice instead of brandy, of course. 

Cover a large baking sheet with some baking parchment - you need to do this, as the fruit will stick to metal.

In a mixing bowl, place

2 cups Plain flour

1 rounded teaspoon Baking Powder

1 level teaspoon Bircarbonate of soda

2 oz butter

Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. 

Add 2 tablespoons caster sugar. Mix well.

1 small egg

Buttermilk to mix [I used just over half a 300 ml carton]

Add the small beaten egg and enough buttermilk to mix to a scone like consistency. Knead for half a minute until smooth and even. Tip onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle. Mine was 12 x 8 inches. Brush the edges with some more buttermilk.

Tip over the fruit mix [but not any liquid if any left] and spread over. Roll up like a swiss roll.

Cut into approx 16 slices with a sharp floured knife and place on the prepared sheet. Use a slice to lift them over. 

Put in a preheated oven 190 deg C for 20 mins. These are absolutely delicious and are similar to fruity scones. Can be eaten warm or cold. Keeps for a couple of days, but are best eaten warm or within a few hours. But will freeze.