| Dia de Los Muertos
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 Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an ancient tradition still practiced today in Mexico, Latin American and some parts of the United States. It is a combination of the beliefs shared by the indigenous people and the Spanish conquistadores wherein death is accepted and celebrated as an integral part of the cycle of life. On this holiday families make and decorate altares or ofrendas with the favorite foods, drink and memorabilia of the loved ones who have passed on. It is believed that the souls of the departed return to visit their families on November 1st - All Saints Day or Dia de Los Ninos and November 2nd - All Souls Day or Dia de Los Muertos. In the United States this holiday is often confused with Halloween which is completely unrelated the only similarities being it is celebrated around the same time of year and includes skeletons. Most importantly it is not a morbid event but a colorful and joyful occasion to have a reunion with family and friends and to share food and memories of those they have loved . Day of the Dead Photos by Mary AndradeMore about Dia de Los Muertos / Day of the DeadEducator Resources |
| Pan de Muerto
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In celebration of Mexico's Day of the Dead, this bread is often shaped
into skulls or round loaves with strips of dough rolled out and
attached to resemble bones
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 5 to 5-1/2 cups flour
- 2 packages dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon whole anise seed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
In a saucepan over medium flame, heat the butter, milk and water until very warm but not boiling.
Meanwhile, measure out 1-1/2 cups flour and set the rest aside. In a
large mixing bowl, combine the 1-1/2 cups flour, yeast, salt, anise
seed and sugar. Beat in the warm liquid until well combined. Add the
eggs and beat in another 1 cup of flour. Continue adding more flour
until dough is soft but not sticky. Knead on lightly floured board for
ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a bowl and place dough in it, cover with plastic wrap
and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.
Punch the dough down and shape into loaves resembling skulls, skeletons
or round loaves with "bones" placed ornamentally around the top. Let
these loaves rise for 1 hour.
Bake in a preheated 350 F degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and paint on glaze.
Glaze
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then apply to bread with a pastry brush.
If desired, sprinkle on colored sugar while glaze is still damp.
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| Day of the Dead Skeletons
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These whimsical Day of the Dead skeletons created by the Garcia Family (seen above and here) are
constructed of paper mache and hand painted by the artist.
Decorate your home with these Skeletons or Calacas as they continue to frolick in their afterlife as a fireman, mariachi, bride & groom, dentist, rollerblader, surfer or any occupation or hobby you wish as they are each individually handcrafted. They stand approx. 12" tall and come on a base. 
$58 Standard Occupation / $85 & up for Special Orders
Call 1-877-82CASAQ or 408-280-1065
to order or for more information
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| Free Day of the Dead eCards
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Send a FREE Day of the Dead
Postcard by Artist Patrick Murillo Choose from 16 fun designs! Send Now!
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