One a penny, two a penny

Grand Girl #1 asked why hot crossed buns could only be made during Lent. I asked her if we make Christmas cookies in July? “No!” Carve pumpkins in January? “No!” Easter eggs in June? “No!” HCB can only be made during Lent because that is the tradition, and traditions are what govern time. Michael makes the HCB for family and neighbors using my grandmother’s recipe (slightly modified). In essence, this is a sweet dough featuring cinnamon, currants and citron. A cross is cut in the top before the second rise, then traced with frosting while still warm. My grandmother would make them by the dozens and bring them to the local rectory and convent. I’ve always loved them, citron and all. It may be because they remind me intensely of my grandmama. Traditions not only mark seasons; they tie one generation to the next.

We made an apple crisp with Harralson apples we stored. They are still good, if a wee bit shriveled. The recipe is from Auntie Harriette, who stored her Harralsons in her stairwell, which was unheated. Apple crisp in winter will always remind me of Harriette.

Who knows what our grands will absorb and pass along to another generation. We can only hope they will see citron and currants and have an unquenchable desire to bake…and then will look to see when Lent begins.