Pan de Muerto

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp anise seeds
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp orange-blossom water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, for glaze

Steps

1. 1

   1. Bloom the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, anise seeds, and orange zest, then mix in the eggs, bloomed yeast mixture, and softened butter until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.

2. 2

   2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until elastic and supple, then place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours until doubled.

3. 3

   3. Punch down the dough and reserve about one-quarter of it for decorations. Shape the larger portion into a round loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. 4

   4. Roll reserved dough into two long ropes for the crossed bones and one small ball for the top skull; press them firmly onto the loaf, then cover and let rise again for 45 minutes.

5. 5

   5. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

6. 6

   6. While still warm, brush the loaf generously with melted butter mixed with orange juice and orange-blossom water, then immediately roll or dust it thoroughly with granulated sugar until every surface glistens.