Easter buns hot with Kiwi bakers

This year’s top trending recipe on Google has been the humble hot cross bun.

It topped a list of some predictable Kiwi favourites, however there were some surprises in there with Yorkshire puddings and something you can’t eat.

The hot cross bun predictably hit its peak around Easter this year, performing better than last year.

Cuisine editor Kelli Brett said a spike at that time was obvious, but the fact people were getting recipes for the bun was heartening.

‘‘It’s interesting we’re getting our bake on again. For a while there, it was about going to the store and buying an exotic pastry, taking a shot for Instagram, then eating it,’’ Brett said.

Beef stroganoff followed the buns, however there was no specific spike in popularity for the Russian dish, it just performed better than last year.

‘‘Maybe it’s a return to retro. Food memories do play into our choices. Perhaps that has something to do with nostalgia.’’

Brett said the fact dishes such as pancakes, spaghetti bolognese and stroganoff were in the top 10 showed people were returning to the kitchen to cook.

‘‘When you learn to cook, these are the staples,’’ she said.

Pulled pork also trended in 2017, sitting at seventh, and Yorkshire puddings proved exceptionally popular during the middle of the New Zealand winter.

An inedible recipe for slime, a mix of household items that forms a putty for children to play with, made it on to the list at No 8.

2017’s top trending recipes

1. Hot cross buns 2. Beef stroganoff 3. Pikelets 4. Spaghetti bolognese 5. Yorkshire pudding

With a little setup and care, a sourdough starter will last years and create perfect pizzas time after time. As an alternative to the usual toppings, try a Pizza Blanc topping of white sauce and seasonal vegetables.

Pulled pork is not just a popular trend when eating out, we’re keen to make it at home, too.

Pancakes are always a popular choice, with Kiwi kids and adults alike.