How to Make Pan De Muerto

Pan De Muerto is the traditional glazed bread made to honor the deceased during the Day of the Dead celebration on the second day of November. While Pan De Muerto is commonly consumed by the living during this post-funeral celebration, it is also placed upon memorial altars to provide sustenance for departed souls. Serve up this south-of-the-border treat when you learn how to make Pan De Muerto yourself.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. anise seed
• 2 to 3 tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• Pastry brush
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 eggs
• 2 packets dry yeast
• 5 to 6 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 tbsp. grated orange peel

Instructions

Learn How to Make Pan De Muerto

1. Start to make Pan De Muerto by mixing together 1 1/2 cups of the flour, the dry yeast, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the salt and anise seed in a large bowl.

2. Heat the milk, water and butter in a small saucepan on low heat until it just comes to a boil. Stir the mixture frequently while heating to avoid curdling the milk.

3. Add the heated milk mixture to the flour mixture slowly while stirring. Continue to stir until the liquid and dry ingredients are thoroughly blended.

4. Add all four eggs to the mixture and blend again. Then add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix well. Add only enough flour to produce a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

5. Dust a board or clean counter top lightly with flour in addition to coating your hands with flour. Then turn out the dough onto the board or counter top and knead it with your hands for about 10 minutes.

6. Grease a large bowl and place the kneaded dough in it. Cover the bowl with a tea towel to keep the dough from drying out. Then allow the dough to rise in a warm place, free of drafts, for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume.

7. Turn the dough out onto your working surface once more and shape it into a round. If you wish, you may add molded skull bones or other decorations to the top at this point. Let the bread rise for an additional hour undisturbed.

8. Place the prepared dough round on a baking sheet. Then bake the bread in a preheated 400-degree F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until browned. When finished baking, remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle it with the powdered sugar.

9. Prepare the glaze by blending the orange juice, grated orange peel and the remaining sugar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over low heat, stirring frequently. Using a pastry brush, brush the glaze over the bread.

Tips & Warnings

• Pan De Muerto can be made in the shape of a skull or braided to resemble bones, if you prefer.