Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)

Ingredients

• 0.25 cups milk
• 0.25 cups butter
• 0.25 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons anise seed
• 1.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs , beaten
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. 2

   To make the bread: Heat milk and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat until butter melts. Remove from heat and add warm water. Mixture should be around 110 degrees F (43 degrees C).

3. 3

   Combine 1 cup flour, sugar, anise seed, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Beat in warm milk mixture, then add eggs and orange zest; beat until well combined. Stir in 1/2 cup flour and continue adding more flour until dough is soft.

4. 4

   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic. Place dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.

5. 5

   Punch dough down and shape into a large round loaf with a round knob on top. Place dough onto a baking sheet; loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until just about doubled in size, about 1 hour.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool slightly before brushing with glaze.

7. 7

   To make the glaze: Combine 1/4 cup sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 2 minutes.

8. 8

   Brush glaze over top of warm bread. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar.