Hot Cross Buns

2 packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg white, lightly beaten

Icing
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 to 6 teaspoons milk

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, shortening, eggs, salt, cinnamon, allspice and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/2-inch, thickness. Cut with a floured 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter. Place 2 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Brush with egg white. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire rack to cool. For icing, combine sugar, vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve piping consistency. Pipe a cross on top of each bun.

Makes 2 dozen.