. Glaze
. 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
. 1/4 cup honey
. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, (1/2 stick)
. 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped lightly toasted
. Buns
. 1/2 cup dried currants
. 2 tablespoons rum (or brandy)
. 2 cups all-purpose flour
. 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
. 1 tablespoon baking powder
. 1/2 teaspoon table salt
. 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
. 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
. 1/4 cup honey, heated
To prepare the glaze, combine the sugar, honey, and butter in a small
saucepan and stir over medium heat until melted and smooth. Pour into a
nonstick 9-inch round cake pan and sprinkle on the pecans.
To make the buns, place the currants in a small bowl and add the rum. Pour
in 1/4 cup hot water and set aside until the currants are softened, about 20
minutes. Drain well.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Sift the flour, granulated sugar, baking
powder, and salt into a large bowl. Pour in 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups cream, or
just enough to form a dough. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough
gently 3 times and roll into a rectangle that measures 18 inches long and 10
inches wide. Place the brown sugar in a small strainer and tap lightly to
spread over evenly. Sprinkle on the cinnamon and the drained currants.
Beginning with a long side, roll up the dough tightly, jelly roll fashion,
and use a sharp knife to cup 1-inch-thick slices. Fit the slices, cut side
up, into the pan with the glaze and gently press down. Bake for 20 minutes
or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean.
Invert the buns onto a large plate and set aside for 5 minutes. Carefully
reinvert onto a serving platter, plain side up, and brush with the heated
honey. Cool completely before serving. Makes 18 small buns.