Date and Walnut Buns

Ever gone to a dim sum restaurant and ordered sweet buns? Well these are similar but I am using dates and walnuts as stuffing instead and I'm also adding the traditional spices you find in hot cross buns.

In a sauce pan, warm up the following until the butter melts:

• 150 ml milk
• 50g butter
  
• crushed cardamom seeds (2 pods)
• 1 clove

Let the mixture to infuse off the heat. Strain the spices out when the liquid cools down. Then add:

• 1 egg

In a stand mixer, add:

• 400g whole wheat flour (or bread flour or a mixture if you prefer)
• 1 1/2 tsp yeast
• zest of an orange
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• all of the egg mixture

Knead and let the dough rest until doubled in size.

Prepare the dates by placing:

• 2 cups dates, just enough boiling water to cover

Leave the dates to soften for a few minutes, then strain, dry excess water, and chop into pieces. Prepare the walnuts by chopping:

• 1/2 cups of walnuts (reserve about 2 tbsp for the topping)
  

When the dough is ready, cut off a small piece, stretch it out a little. Sprinkle with some date and walnut pieces and roll up into a small bun. Repeat until you've used up all the dough and let it rest for about 40 min. Sprinkle the top with a few walnut pieces and bake at 400 F for 15-20 min.

Prepare a glaze for the buns by mixing:

• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp boiling water

When the buns are ready, spoon over some of the glaze. Step back and admire your hard work; whole wheat buns stuffed with sweet dates and walnut crunch.