Hot Cross Carrot Bun

Powdered Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk and butter. Stir until smooth.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 4 -4 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  cup whole wheat flour
• 3⁄4 cup  grated carrot
• 1⁄4 cup  firmly packed brown sugar
• 2  envelopes  fastrising  yeast
• 2  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1  cup water
• 1⁄3 cup milk
• 1⁄4 cup butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 2  large eggs
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped dates
• 1  egg white, lightly beaten

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, carrots, sugar, undissolved yeast, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Heat water, milk, and butter until very warm (120o to 130oF).
3. Gradually add to flour mixture.
4. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
5. Add eggs and 1 cup all-purpose flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed.
6. Stir in dates and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
7. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
8. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
9. Punch dough down; shape into 6-inch diameter ball.
10. Place in greased 9-inch round pan.
11. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1hour.
12. Brush with egg white.
13. Bake at 375oF for 35 to 40 minutes or until done.
14. Cover lightly with foil during last 10 minutes to prevent excess browning.
15. Remove from pan; cool on wire rack.
16. Drizzle Powdered Sugar Glaze on top of bun in the shape of a cross.
17. Decorate cross with sliced almonds.