Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns

Buns: 

3 1/2 cups gluten free Almond Blend All Purpose Flour

 2 teaspoons guar gum

 1/2 cup coconut sugar 

1 1/2 cups raisins

 1/2 cup dried mixed fruit (optional) 

1 tablespoon instant yeast 

1 tablespoon cinnamon 

1 tablespoon nutmeg 

1 teaspoon all spice 

2 large oranges (zest only) 

1 1/2 cups full cream milk 

2 large room temperature eggs 

1 cup melted salted grass fed butter 

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Add yeast to warm milk. Set aside for 5 minutes or until it's frothy. Combine all the dry ingredients, including raisins, dried mixed fruit (optional) and orange zest. Set aside. Whisk eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until creamy and add yeast and milk mixture. Add wet ingredients to the dry (add more flour if mixture is too wet or add more milk is mixture is too dry).

Add large scoopfuls of the dough to a greased square or round pan (enough for 18 large rolls). Dip a spatula in cold water to smooth the top of the buns. Brush with egg wash.

Egg Wash: 

1 large room temperature egg 

1 tablespoon cold water

Preheat oven to 350 F

Cross Paste: 

1/2 cup flour 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

1/4 tsp GF baking powder 

1/4 cup milk

Combine flour and baking powder. Rub in butter. Stir in enough milk to make a thick batter that can be piped. Add to piping bag. Pipe thin crosses onto the buns (refer to picture). Set buns in a warm, draft free place to double in size (about 1 1/2 hours or more depending on where you live).

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped.

Glaze: 

1 cup orange marmalade

Glaze hot buns with orange marmalade.

Crispy Avocado Rolls with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

Sauce :

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

Whisk all the ingredients to fully combine. Simmer on low heat until it thickens and reduces (about 10 minutes).

Rolls:

3 large avocados, remove skin and pit, slice into strips

10 Vietnamese spring roll sheets

Sea salt and black pepper

Fill a large bowl with warm water (not hot) Dip one wrapper at a time to soften (about 2 seconds).  Wrapper will get softer by the time you roll it.

Lay wrapper flat. Leaving about 2 inches uncovered on each side. In a row across the center, place avocados (about 4 strips). Drizzle your desired amount of sauce on top. Fold uncovered sides inward, then tightly roll the wrapper. Heat a deep sided frying pan with enough pure vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan (about 4 tablespoons) on medium heat until oil is ready for frying. Add 4 rolls at a time so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until crispy and brown (about 8 minutes on each side). Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper.

Serve immediately with extra dipping sauce on the side.