Pan De Muerto(A Mexican Bread Served On Religious Holidays)

1. 1

   Bring milk to boiling.

2. 2

   Remove from heat and stir in sugar, salt and shortening.

3. 3

   Add eggs and yeast and beat until mixture is well blended and yeast is dissolved.

4. 4

   Add flour and mix to a moderately stiff dough.

5. 5

   Turn out on a floured board and knead lightly a few minutes until dough is smooth.

6. 6

   Cover with a damp cloth and let rest 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Cut dough into 3 equal-sized pieces and roll each piece into a rope 12-inches long.

8. 8

   (Save out a small portion of dough and form a cross to decorate the top of bread.)

9. 9

   Make a braid of the three ropes, pressing ends together to seal them, then place braid on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Cover with damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until light and double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.

10. 10

    Brush with melted shortening and bake in a 375u00b0 oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

11. 11

    If desired, brush baked loaf with melted butter after taking it from oven.

12. 12

    Cool loaf thoroughly before slicing.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.