Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)

Step 1

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm butter, milk, and water; until butter has melted. Do not let boil.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of flour, yeast, salt, anise seed, and sugar. Slowly beat in the warm milk, orange extract, and orange zest until well mixed. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing through. Slowly add in another 1 cup of flour. Continue adding additional flour until the dough is soft but not sticky.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured board and knead for at least 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is dry add some water and if it’s too wet add some flour. Form the dough into a large ball and cut into four even pieces.

Step 4

Lightly grease a cookie sheet and place three dough balls on it. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Step 5

Reserve the fourth dough ball to make bones to place over the loaves. Reserve this dough in the refrigerator to slow down the rising process.

Step 6

Follow this video for instructions on how to decorate the bread.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 8

Bake bread for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. When the bread is done it should sound “hollow” when thumped.

Step 9

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, orange zest, and orange juice; bring just to a boil so the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat.

Step 10

Remove loaf from the oven and brush with the Orange Glaze.

Step 11

Another option is to melt two tablespoons of butter in a small pot. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven brush with melted butter and sprinkle sugar over them.

Step 12

Let the bread cool down and enjoy with a cup of Champurrado or cafecito.