I have to give Nashville credit. She really does spring time right. I mean, there have been plenty of moments over my past 8 months here when I have struggled with my new city. Not because it is a bad place, but just different and seemingly incomparable to my most recent "home" and pacific northwest heart of Portland. There are no mountains, the public transportation is nearly non-existent, biking involves taking your life into your own hands (not that I bike but I really plan on starting soon), and the momentary decision of driving to the coast for the weekend is a seven hour venture.
However, today Nashville won me. Nearly 75 degrees and stunning I feel like a different woman. My mind has exploded with ideas, things I want to paint, create, build, and learn. People are outside everywhere; eating lunches on their front porches, planning garden parties, and buying flowers for every room of their house. Having lived in New England and then Portland I feel like I haven't had a real spring season since I was a high schooler in Pittsburgh. I'm going to take advantage. Thank you Nashville...I promise I won't waste it.
Since it is technically not just a good friday but THE "Good Friday" I feel compelled to share with you a long standing family tradition of mine. Hot. Crossed. Buns. Yes, we all know the song but when is the last time you actually ate one? Every Good Friday growing up, my mom would give my dad and I a freshly baked Hot Cross Bun from the best bakery in all of Pittsburgh- Prantels. I am embarrassed to say that I don't know the exact tradition behind this delicious roll, but I have always believed it is simply good luck to eat one on the Friday before Easter.
SO, every Good Friday that I have been away from home, I have searched bakeries far and low for a Hot Cross Bun to bring me luck. Turns out, most people don't have this tradition. They are not a regular on most families Easter lists in New Hampshire and Portland and therefore are very hard to find. Sometimes I'd make them myself but yeast rolls embedded with soft currents and raisins have never been my forte in the kitchen. But this year, yet again Nashville and the Bread and Company Bakery came through for me. That's two points for Nashville...
This morning I bought 7. Why? I am a firm believer in odd numbers having something to do with luck, I wanted to spread the wealth, and I have a lot of years of eating Hot Cross Buns to catch up on. If I'm not going to see you today you should keep an eye out. What better excuse to find the "best" bakery in your part of the world. Even if they don't have the buns, you'll at least walk away with a damn good cookie.
from wiki - Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be" is said at the time. Because of the cross on the buns, some say they should be kissed before being eaten. If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwreck. If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fires and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly. The hanging bun is replaced each year.
ReplyDeletethe cross also as a symbol of the crucifixion or in honour of the goddess Eostre with the quarters representing the 4 phases of the moon.
you pick what you like best. tradition is wonderful. glad spring has sprung in your land!
i'll share a hot cross bun with you anyday.
love
jo