Recipe of Pan de Muerto

Join me and let's see how to make Pan de Muerto

Instructions:

Step 1
• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, anise seeds, and orange zest.
Step 3
• Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, warm milk, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
Step 4
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour as needed.
Step 5
• Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 6
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 7
• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions. Take a small piece of dough from each portion to shape bone decorations (skulls and bones). The rest will be used to form the main loaf.
Step 8
• Shape the main loaf into a round shape with a small ball on top (representing a skull) and long ropes of dough to form bone shapes. Attach them to the top.
Step 9
• Place the decorated bread on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 10
• Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the bread to create a shiny glaze.
Step 11
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 12
• While the bread is still warm, you can brush it with orange blossom water and sprinkle it with sugar for added flavor and decoration.
Step 13
• Let the Pan de Muerto cool completely before serving. Enjoy this special bread with your loved ones to celebrate Dia de los Muertos!
Step 14
• Note: You can customize the decoration with more sugar or by adding colored sugar or nonpareils for a festive touch.