Tea Buns

Tea Buns are one of those traditional Newfoundland staples, especially from our grandmothers' generation. I remember eating these when visiting my grandparents. I never did like the raisins in them, so when I make them for my family, I omit the raisins :-)

I found this recipe in a small printed book from 1980, called Newfoundland Recipes. I was glad to see it didn't include raisins, though I'm sure you could add in a cup of raisins if you like.

TEA BUNS
3 cups flour
3 heaping tsp of baking powder
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
1 TBSP lard (I omit this)
1 egg
1 cup water

Mix dry ingredients and cut in butter with pastry blender. Mix egg and water, and add to dry ingredients. Do not over mix. Roll on lightly floured surface, try for 1-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutter (or use top of a small glass). Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 10-15 minutes at 450 deg.

Lassie Buns

For anyone who is from Newfoundland, you will know what I mean when I say "lassie buns" :-) They are yummy! Every time my youngest sister comes for a visit, I make her some molasses buns. She always says she gains 5 lbs when she comes here :-) Oh well!

Molasses Buns

1 cup molasses
1 cup melted butter
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
4 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt

Add melted butter to molasses and stir. Add milk and egg. Stir. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl, then add to molasses mixture. Roll out on a floured board to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutter (I use a 2-inch round) and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes at 300 deg.

We love them with butter though I know some people who eat them with a slice of cheddar cheese.