Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 550g (3 3/4 cups)
• Sugar: 120g (1/2 cup)
• Active dry yeast: 11g (1 packet)
• Warm water: 113g (1/2 cup)
• Salt: 5g (1 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 113g (1/2 cup)
• Large eggs: 2
• Orange zest: 1 tablespoon
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
• Pumpkin puree: 142g (1/2 cup)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

35-40 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, salt, and softened butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.
7. Form each portion into a ball and shape it into a round loaf with a cross-shaped design on top.
8. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
12. Brush the loaves with water and sprinkle with the spice mixture.
13. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 320 per slice
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and fluffy texture
• Sweet and spicy flavor
• Decorative cross-shaped design
• Ideal for the Day of the Dead celebration

User Comments:

• "This bread was absolutely delicious! It had a perfect balance of sweetness and spice."
• "The texture was so soft and fluffy, it melted in my mouth."
• "I loved the cross-shaped design, it added a special touch to the bread."
• "I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a traditional Pan de Muertos."
• "This bread is a must-have for any Day of the Dead celebration."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast. Just follow the directions on the package.
• To make the dough even more flavorful, you can add a teaspoon of ground anise seeds.
• If you don't have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it long enough to develop the gluten and create a smooth and elastic dough.
• If you don't have pumpkin puree, you can substitute sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree.
• Don't overbake the bread, otherwise it will become dry.