Recipe of Pan de Muerto

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 packets (14 grams) active dry yeast
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon anise seeds
• Zest of 1 orange
• Orange blossom water (optional)
• Additional flour for dusting
• 1 egg yolk for egg wash
• Sugar for decoration

Directions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, anise seeds, and orange zest.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 6

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 9

   Place the decorated bread on the prepared baking sheet.

10. 10

    Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the bread to create a shiny glaze.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 13

    Let the Pan de Muerto cool completely before serving. Enjoy this special bread with your loved ones to celebrate Dia de los Muertos!

14. 14

    Note: You can customize the decoration with more sugar or by adding colored sugar or nonpareils for a festive touch.