28 Oct Pan de Muerto

Pan de Muerto

Check out my YouTube video making Pan de Muerto

Bread of the dead is traditionally served on the festive ‘All Saints Day’, when Mexicans pay respects to their departed family members. Mexican culture embraces mortality and Mexicans have a strong belief in afterlife. Rather than mourn their dead they celebrate death, so on ‘Dia de los Muertos’ they like to have a party. People line the streets for the fiesta. Skulls shaped candies are sold in every corner and at night there is street dancing and fireworks.

Ingredients for 8 loaves

1 teaspoon dry yeast
3 Tablespoons (60ml) warm milk
4 cups (600gr) all-purpose (plain) flour
1/3 cup (80gr) sugar
½ cup (113gr) cold salted butter
Grated rind (zest) from 1 orange and 1 lemon
6 eggs

For the GLAZE
½ cup (100gr) sugar
3 Tablespoons (60ml) water

1. Warm milk and dissolve the yeast mixing with a whisk or fork. Cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy
2. Sift the flour, add the sugar and mix well
3. Cut the chilled butter into cubes and rub with your fingertips into the flour and sugar mixture. You’re looking for a breadcrumbs texture
4. Beat the eggs
5. Make a well in the centre  of the flour mixture and pour the yeast mixture and eggs
6. Mix until a soft dough is formed
7. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until soft and elastic (You can do all this process using a stand mixer fitted the hook attachment)
8. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel and let stand in a warm place for 1 hour, until it doubles in size
9. Turn onto floured surface and knead for 2 extra minutes
10. Divide dough into 8 equal portions and separate a small ball from each portion. This will become the bones to decorate the bread
11. Shape the large potions into round dinner rolls
12. Prepare a tray with parchment (baking/wax) paper and place shaped rolls. Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand
13. Shape smaller portions into 2 bones by making 2 strips and rolling them between your fingers
14. Brush bigger portions with water and place the bones on top to form crossbones

15. Cover with a tea towel and let stand in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until they double in size
16. Preheat the oven at 350F (180C) and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped on the base
17. To make the GLAZE: place sugar and water in pan and cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved
18. Brush hot rolls out of the oven with the glaze

These sweet bread is great for breakfast served with hot chocolate

Divide into 12 portions to have smaller rolls and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Watch the video using the link above to see how to form the bread and the bones.

Have fun baking!

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Leave your comments and or questions, if you have any. I’m always happy to help ☺

Until my next post,

EAT WELL AND BE HAPPY!