In my Spanish class, we got the chance to make Panes de Muertos or Bread of the Dead. Just some background knowledge: these sweet loaves that are made for both the living and the dead and are prepared for the Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos. They represent animas (the souls of the departed) and are often shaped and given symbols to represent skulls, bones or human figures such as religious persons. 

Now that I have made this recipe twice, I thought I could share the recipe for anyone interested!

Ingredients for the bread:

Mix together:

• 1 1/2 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 packages of dry yeast

Combine and heat in a saucepan:

• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of margarine 

Set aside for later use:

• 4 eggs
• 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups of flour

Ingredients for glaze:

• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/3 cup of orange juice
• 2 tablespoons grated orange peel

Baking instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients, add warm liquid, and beat
2. Add 4 eggs and 1 cup of flour, and beat
3. Gradually blend in remaining flour
4. Knead on lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes
5. Place dough in greased bowl and let rise until doubled (1 1/2 hours)
6. Punch dough down and make shapes. Let rise again for 1 hour
7. Bake at 350℉ for 40 minutes
8. Boil glaze ingredients for 2 minutes. Apply to warm shapes

Now in my experience, there were some things I would recommend to anyone interested in trying this recipe. I personally would make the glaze, the bread on its own isn’t sweet enough; the glaze gives the bread a nice balance. However, if you don’t want to make the glaze, you can try to add more sugar to the bread recipe. Also, when I baked it for 40 minutes, it was too long in my oven and it came out too hard. The next time I baked it for a shorter amount of time, it was baked perfectly and came out just right. However, I don’t know how it is for different kinds of ovens, so I recommend you keep an eye on your bread when it’s cooking. 

Overall, my bread was pretty good, although my first batch was a bit overcooked, my second batch came out great when I put it in for less time and it all came together nicely with the glaze. If anyone wants to try out this recipe, I would definitely recommend it. The bread is simple and easy to make and it’s a fun baking experience too. 

-Nicole R.