that if they are like hot-cross buns except for the lack of a cross, then

that was the intention, but tested before they were cool enough to put crosses on, and decided they were better without crosses.

the lack of currants in the house is distressing.

that, too. Different house, though.

they are far more common in those parts.

well, we had some black currant bushes, for a time, many years ago...

white currant and black currant bushes, but they are rather uncommon... And at one time very much illegal (at least in the United States).

They also don't really produce enough to be useful.