Day of the Dead: Food and Recipes

Day of the Dead: Food and Recipes

One of the most important components of Day of the Dead is the food.  As families prepare the delicious dishes, it is easy to imagine what everyone’s kitchen will smell like; fresh herbs and produce, bread baking in the oven and sweet pumpkin.  Families spend a lot of time making sure that everything is ready for when the souls of their loved ones arrive and that their favorite foods are included in the offerings.

Although different regions in Mexico vary in what foods are prepared, there are a few staples that are uniform in every household; sugar skulls (calaveras), pan de muerto, candied pumpkin, and atole. 

If interested in learning how to make any of these delectable items, click on the links below for the recipes:

•    Sugar skulls (calaveras) are made of granulated sugar and are decorated with icing to enhance the features of the skull.
•    Pan de muerto is a sweet soft bread that is shaped like a bun and decorated with bone-like shapes.
•    Candied pumpkin is a favorite among families and consists of sliced pumpkin cooked in a piloncillo glaze.
•    Atole is a thick drink made with masa and often topped with fresh fruit.