Pan de Muerto

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

4 cups

Granulated sugar

1/2 cup plus extra for dusting

Active dry yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons

Salt

1 teaspoon

Unsalted butter

1/2 cup, softened

Whole milk

1 cup, warmed

Large eggs

3, beaten

Orange zest

2 tablespoons

Orange blossom water

1 tablespoon

Melted butter

2 tablespoons (for brushing)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, whisking until well combined.
2. Add in the softened butter, warmed milk, orange zest, beaten eggs, and orange blossom water. Mix until a dough begins to form.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two pieces: one larger piece for the loaf and a smaller piece for the decorative 'bones'.
7. Shape the larger piece into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. From the smaller piece, create 'bones' by rolling out small portions and shaping them into sticks. Arrange them on top of the loaf.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and, while still warm, brush the top with melted butter and dust generously with sugar.