01.03.10

- Hot Choc Bun -
Waitrose launch chocolate hot cross bun for Easter

According to English folklore, keeping a hot cross bun from one Good Friday to the following year is supposed to bring good luck – and best of all it won’t spoil or become mouldy. But, with the launch of Waitrose’s new chocolate chunk bun we doubt it will last an entire year without somebody taking a bite…or two.

The fruit variant which is steeped in tradition and tinged with superstition is often the focus of a love/hate debate with some people loving the spiced dried fruit and candied peel and others loathing this Easter treat.

So, with nine million being baked for Waitrose over the next few weeks, the supermarket has taken this on board and updated the traditional recipe, with the introduction of its dark Belgian chocolate chunk hot cross bun. And on average, over 10 chocolate chunks per bun (18 per cent chocolate) – this twist on tradition is certain to meet the ongoing demand for sweet treats in the lead up to Easter.

To create this chocolate extravaganza, the bakers of Waitrose’s hot cross buns who have been baking for the supermarket for over 20 years have used a special recipe; adding on average 10 dark Belgian chocolate chunks to their famous sweet dough, to give a perfect flavour and texture. The result is a soft and delicious hand finished, indulgent bun – with not a piece of dried fruit in sight!

However, not steering too far from traditions, all of Waitrose’s hot cross buns are carefully hand-piped with a cross on the top and then hand-glazed with a soft bristle brush by a team of 10 people at any one time – ensuring the best quality, with a personal touch.

Jo Skelton, Bakery Buyer for Waitrose, commented: “Parents told us that their children were picking out the fruit and suggested chocolate chunks as an alternative – but from feedback, we know that it’s not just the kids who are enjoying the chocolate variant with many adults indulging in the sweet hot cross bun option also.”

Seb Willis from Waitrose’s hot cross bun suppliers, Nicholas and Harris, said: “We produce over nine million buns over the Easter period, so it’s serious business here at the factory, especially as we hand-cross and hand-glaze all our hot cross buns individually. This year is especially exciting as we’re venturing into new territory with the chocolate chunk buns, which are a great sweet alternative to the traditional fruity variety.”

Hot cross buns have had a place in history for 100s of years and were traditionally eaten at breakfast time, hot from the oven. They were once sold by street vendors who sang a song about them: "Hot cross buns, hot cross buns, one a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns."

The limited edition dark Belgian chocolate chunk hot cross buns are priced at £1.39 for six and are now on shelf in Waitrose’s nationwide.
Hot Cross Buns Facts (or Superstitions…)
• Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year
• Because of the cross on the buns, some say they should be kissed before being eaten
• If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwreck
• If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fires and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly
• A piece of a hot cross bun given to someone who is ill is said to help them recover

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