Pan de Muerto

2 1/4 tsp. dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. warm milk
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 c. butter, melted
Orange zest of 1 orange
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Olive oil
water
egg wash (egg and water)
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 c. sugar

In a large bowl, mix yeast, warm water, and sugar. Set aside to let the yeast mixture become frothy, about 5 minutes.

When the yeast is ready, stir in milk, eggs, yolks, butter, and zest.

Add in 1 c. flour and stir. Add in the salt. Add in 1 c. flour and stir. Add in the last cup of flour and stir.

Turn out dough on floured surface. Knead until smooth.

Add a teaspoon or two of olive oil to a large bowl, and spread around the bottom and sides with a paper towel.  Place the dough in the bowl. Cover and let rest 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

When the dough has rested and doubled in size, turn out onto floured surface. Cut into 10 portions, then cut the pointed tips of each portion off. About 1/2 an ounce in size.

Roll all 20 pieces into balls and place onto lined baking sheets. You'll need 2 baking sheets. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Make 6 cuts on the small balls to make them look star-like. Leave the center attached.

Brush water on the top of each roll. Attach top ball that has been cut. Spread and shape the top ball into bones.

Brush with egg wash.

Bake 18 minutes or until golden. Brush with butter, then sprinkle with sugar.

Enjoy!!

Recipe courtesy of Rosanna Pansino. http://rosannapansino.com/blog/recipes/coco-day-dead-bread/