Celebrate Day of the Dead with Traditional Recipes
Day of the Dead, also known in Spanish as Día de los Muertos, is observed between October 30 and November 2 and is one of the oldest and most famous Mexican celebrations. It's joyous rather than somber, and a family-oriented fiesta to reconnect the living with the dead by building altars to honor the souls of our dearly departed. Seasonal smells and colors are tied to traditional dishes for this holiday.
Shown here are 10 recipes from the free bilingual ebook, "Ofrendas: Celebrando el Día de Muertos" which you can enjoy with your family for Day of the Dead.
Empanadas de camote
These baked sweet potato empanadas made with brown sugar and cinnamon are a treat! The dough has an interesting twist to give it it's consistency: Cream cheese.
Spicy chocolate caliente
Guajillo chiles impart a fruity, earthy and slightly spicy taste in this classic recipe for Mexican hot chocolate.
Recipe by Maura Wall Hernandez of The Other Side of The Tortilla
Sopa Azteca
Sopa Azteca is a chicken soup-based dish that also calls for chiles and crema Mexicana. Don't forget to garnish the soup with avocado, queso fresco and fried or baked tortilla strips.
Enfrijoladas
The perfect dish to make when you have a fresh pot of home-cooked beans? Enfrijoladas, of course! Saute garlic and onion with beans and bean broth from the pot, blend lightly, and dip warm corn tortillas in the bean sauce. Garnish with sliced avocado, salsa, tomato, queso fresco, crema Mexicana or cilantro.
Pollo en mixiote
Chicken legs and thighs get dressed up with guajillo chiles, garlic, tomatoes and onion. Cactus paddles, known as nopales, and carrots add to this hearty dish which is cooked inside a banana leaf.
Oaxacan tamales
These chicken-stuffed corn masa tamales will keep your family full. Steam in banana leaves and serve drizzled with mole and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Tip: Use store-bought prepared mole for quick and easy prep.
Pan de muerto
Pan de muerto is perhaps the most widely known food symbol for Day of the Dead. The egg-based bread is often made with anise or orange blossom water to give the bread its signature scent, and dough is used on the top of the bread to represent bones. Lightly brush the outside of the bread with orange juice once baked and sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a traditional finish.
Mazapanes de pepita
You may be familiar with the classic white mazapan made with peanuts and confectioners' sugar, but this version made with pepitas is also very popular in certain areas of Mexico. Decorate with marigolds, which are also edible!
Shimmer skull candies
It's common to see all kinds of skull confections for Day of the Dead. These shimmery skull-shaped candies are made of white chocolate melts and brushed with an edible shimmer powder for lustre.
Sugar skull sugar cubes
You've heard of making sugar skulls for Day of the Dead but these sugar skull sugar cubes aren't made for your altar! With only sugar and water, surprise guests with a festive sugar cube for their cafecito or cup of tea when they visit you for Día de los Muertos.
