Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon anise seed
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup sugar for sprinkling
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Add the anise seed, orange zest, orange juice, and milk. Beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in the raisins and almonds.
7. Roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Brush the tops of the dough with a little milk and sprinkle with sugar.
9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 250
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Protein: 5 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: margarine or vegetable shortening
- White sugar: brown sugar or honey
- Anise seed: fennel seed or cardamom
- Orange zest: lemon zest
- Orange juice: lemon juice
- Milk: almond milk or soy milk
- Raisins: dried cranberries or chopped dates
- Almonds: walnuts or pecans
Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version.
- Use different shapes for the dough, such as crosses or stars.
- Substitute the raisins and almonds with other dried fruits and nuts.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to knead the raisins and almonds into the dough so they don't fall out during baking.
- For a softer texture, brush the tops of the dough with melted butter instead of milk.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Warm in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with other Mexican pastries.
- Decorate with edible flowers or colored sugar.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
- Drizzle with honey or agave syrup.
Pairings:
- Coffee or hot chocolate.
- Sweetened condensed milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mexican-style rice.
- Refried beans.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more orange juice or milk.
- If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Keep the dough refrigerated until ready to use.
Food History:
Pan de Muerto is a traditional Mexican bread that is served during the Day of the Dead celebrations. It is usually shaped like a skull or a bone and decorated with sugar or colored sprinkles.
Flavor Profiles:
This bread has a sweet and slightly spiced flavor with hints of orange and anise.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or dessert.
- Use as a base for French toast or bread pudding.
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Region: Mexican