Jamaican Buns

Yields 24 buns

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon rind
1 cup butter
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 cup raisins
1 1/4 cups shredded coconut
2 egg whites, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon rind. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly in texture. Beat eggs with milk and add to flour mixture. Blend until just moistened. Do not overmix. Add raisins and coconut and mix again - just enough to incorporate. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, portion dough onto a greased cookie sheet. Brush the tops of each bun with beaten egg whites and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for about 25 minutes. Buns should be golden brown and firm to touch.