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In the bowl of a standmixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine: ackee, flour, milk powder, salt, yeast, egg and water;
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Mix on low speed for 5 to 8 minutes till well combined (the dough will seem very rough but provided that all the flour has been moistened, do not be tempted to add more water as the dough will loosen up once the remaining ingredients are added);
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Pound or roll the butter between a piece of plastic or parchment so that it is cold but malleable. Add the butter to the dough with the mixer still running bit by bit till incorporated.;
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Once the butter has been added, add the sugar, spices and raisins and continue to mix till smooth and elastic. The dough should be very silky; it will appear sticky but shouldn’t stick to your hands.;
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Grease or spray a large bowl with oil and scrape the dough into the prepared bowl turning once to coat with oil. Leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour;
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After an hour, the dough should have puffed up nicely, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and press down gently;
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Cut into 12 equal pieces or 6 if you want them larger. Make into rounds and place on a parchment lined sheet tray, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 40 minutes to an hour.;
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At the 30 minute mark set your oven to 350F (sooner than that if it takes long to warm up);
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Once the buns have risen, bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully at the halfway mark as they get colour very easily, you may have to reduce the temperature to 325F.;
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Thin the apricot jam (if using) with a quarter cup of hot water to make a glaze for the buns. When the buns are done, brush them with the jam while still warm;
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Enjoy!