Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Fork
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
4. Add in shortening and mix until crumbly.
5. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract and mix until dough forms.
6. Add in raisins and almonds and mix until evenly distributed.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ½ inch thickness.
8. Cut out desired shapes with a cookie cutter.
9. Place shapes on prepared baking sheet.
10. Using a pastry brush, brush each shape with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
11. Using a fork, make indentations on each shape.
12. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 12-15 shapes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Vegetable shortening can be substituted with butter or coconut oil.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or oat milk.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or dried cherries.
- Almonds can be substituted with pecans or walnuts.
Variations:
- Add in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a spiced version.
- Add in 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy version.
- Add in 1 tablespoon of anise seeds for an anise-flavored version.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the dough to an even thickness for even baking.
- For a crispier texture, brush the shapes with melted butter before baking.
- For a sweeter version, sprinkle the shapes with granulated sugar before baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warm.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a selection of other Mexican pastries.
- Arrange on a cake stand with a selection of other Mexican pastries.
- Stack on a plate and garnish with edible flowers.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with honey or agave syrup.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate.
- Serve with a cup of Mexican coffee.
- Serve with a cup of Mexican horchata.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Refried beans
- Mexican rice
- Guacamole
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- If the dough is too wet, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands before handling any ingredients.
- Make sure to use clean utensils and equipment when handling any ingredients.
- Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Food History:
Pan de Muerto is a traditional Mexican sweet bread that is typically served during the Day of the Dead celebration. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century and is made with all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, vegetable shortening, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Flavor Profiles:
Pan de Muerto has a sweet and buttery flavor with hints of vanilla and a slight nuttiness from the almonds.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve as a breakfast with a glass of orange juice.
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Region: Mexican