Whigs (or Wigs)

These are small spiced dough balls (including caraway, ground mace, ground cloves and grated nutmeg).  Easily made in the bread maker and freeze well. These are small spiced dough balls including caraway, to aid digestion.  These should be “dunked” into your Gossip Cup.

Version 1: Using a bread making machine:

Ingredients: (makes approx 16)

½ tsp fast action dried yeast	250g strong white flour
1 tsp sugar	25g butter
1 tbs dried milk powder	½ tsp salt
1 medium egg	100ml water
½ tbsp caraway seeds	Pinch of ground mace, ground nutmeg, ground cloves

Method:

1. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions regarding the order of liquid/dry ingredients, and set your machine to the dough setting.
2. When the cycle is complete tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead well and cut into 16 pieces.
3. Shape each into a small ball and arrange, spaced well apart on a greased baking sheet. Cover loosely with oiled cling film and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
4. Remove cling film and bake at 200°C (400F, gas mark 6) for 12-15 minutes.

 

 

Version 2: To make without a bread machine

Ingredients: (makes approx 16)

1.35kg (3lb) Flour	450ml (¾ pint) Milk, warm
110g (4oz) Sugar	110g (4oz) Butter, melted
2 tbsp Yeast	1 Egg, beaten, (plus extra for coating)
2 tsp Salt	1½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
½-1 tsp Ground Mace	½ tsp Ground Cloves
1-2 tsp Caraway Seeds

 

Method

1. Dissolve yeast in a little of the warm milk with pinch of sugar.
2. Place in a warm place until bubbles begin to appear.
3. Mix milk, sugar, butter, beaten egg, salt, and spices.
4. Stir in the yeast mixture.
5. Gradually add enough flour.
6. Turn out onto floured surface and knead till smooth and elastic.
7. Place in greased bowl, cover.
8. Allow to stand in a warm place until doubled in volume.
9. Knock back and knead briefly.
10. Divide the dough into twenty four portions.
11. Form each onto a round ball.
12. Place onto greased baking trays.
13. Cut a deep cross on each bun with sharp knife.
14. Brush with beaten egg.
15. Sprinkle with caraway seeds.
16. Bake for 20 minutes.