Day of dead bread will sweeten your mood!
Day of dead bread, what a great idea....it just so happens that this holiday, DoD for short, is celebrated throughout Latin America. Mini replicas of skeletons, dead people, the deceased, etc. are made into various edible treats. Coming on the heals of our own Halloween, there are lots of costumes involved as well. Wow, those lively Latins sure know how to deal with the grim reaper, now don't they? Ingredients * 4 1/2 cups flour (I used half white & half whole wheat) * 1/2 cup sugar * 1 stick butter * 3 eggs * 1/4 cup orange juice * 2 packets yeast * 1/4 cup warm water * 2 tsp salt * add'l 1/2 cup water * 1 Tbsp currants * 2 tsp aniseseeds (optional) Glaze * 1/4 cup orange juice * 4 Tbsp confectioners sugar
Divide dough into 4-6 smaller portions and allow to rest for 10 minutes on parchment covered sheetpans. Using a knife or other implement, score 5 cuts around the perimeter of dough ball approximating a head, 2 arms and 2 legs. Work to shape dough until you are satisfied with its look. Press currants into place to resemble eyes, nose, mouth, etc. Allow to rise another 45 minutes, covered with a towel.
Meanwhile, make the glaze by simmering 1/4 cup OJ and 4 Tbsp confectioners sugar. Brush this glaze all over the breads before putting them in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Halfway through the bake time, rotate pans top to bottom and front to back to ensure even baking. Keep an eye to be sure not to overcook, depending on your ovens temp. Remove from heat and brush on the glaze. Be generous and they'll be nice and sticky. The nice thing about these breathless biscuits is that they can take many different shapes and sizes, so have fun with this recipe. My daughter enjoyed a piece, which happened to be a leg, just the size of a small dinner roll. Let's embrace this holiday, I say you can have some Day of the Dead spirited treats anyday!
|
