Mrs. McCrory’s Spanish 2 students have been learning about traditional Mexican recipes. Sophomore, Jasmine Blake, brought in “Pan de Muerto” for the class to taste.

Pan de Muerto, also known as bread of the dead, is a type of pan dulce. Pan de Muerto is a sweetened soft bread that is shaped like a bun and is often decorated with bone-shaped phalange pieces which is then topped in sugar. It is traditionally baked in Mexico during the weeks leading up to Dia de Muertos, which is celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd. As part of the celebration, loved ones eat pan de muerto as well as the relative’s favorite foods. The bones represent the deceased one and there is normally a baked tear drop on the bread to represent goddess Chimalma’s tears for the living. The bones are represented in a circle to portray the circle of life.

The classic recipe for Pan de Muerto is a simple sweet bread recipe, often with the addition of anise seeds, and other times flavored with orange flower water or even orange zest. Other variations are made depending on the region or the baker. The one baking the bread will usually wear decorated wristbands, a tradition which was originally practiced to protect from burns on the stove or oven during the baking process.

The name of Pan de Muerto often varies from region to region. In Mexico city Pan de Muerto can be referred to as “Hojaldra” while in Michoacan Pan de Muerto can be referred to as the shiny pan!