Dia de Muertos at Adobe Grill: Celebrating Tradition with Chef Marco Aguilar
Chef Marco Aguilar invites you to embrace the spirit of Dia de Muertos with his Pan de Muertos recipe. Inspired by his childhood memories, this sweet bread brings together tradition and flavor, making it a delicious way to honor loved ones and celebrate the vibrant Mexican holiday.
A Feast for the Spirits: Chef Aguilar’s Memories of Dia de Muertos
“Dia de Muertos is more than just a holiday—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones who are no longer with us,” says Chef Aguilar. “Growing up, the preparation was more complex than most people think. My grandma Petra would prepare an ofrenda, an altar filled with dishes, drinks, and treats—all the favorites of those who had passed. From pork tamales to sweet breads, each item was made with love, so our family could welcome the spirits and ensure they’d return the following year.”
Chef Aguilar fondly recalls the aromas filling the kitchen: “I still remember the rich smells that filled our home while Grandma Petra cooked. Tamales steaming, the scent of roasting peppers, and the sweetness of sugar skulls on the altar. These are memories that shaped my love for food and brought me back to those family gatherings year after year.”
Pan de Muerto: A Sweet Tribute to the Dead
A standout feature of Dia de Muertos is Pan de Muerto, a sweet bread traditionally made in the weeks leading up to the holiday. This pastry is often shaped like a round loaf with bone-shaped decorations on top, symbolizing the circle of life and death. At Adobe Grill, Chef Aguilar has added a modern twist to this classic dish, offering it as a dessert filled with rich pastry cream and served with a warm cup of champurrado, a thick Mexican chocolate drink.
While the exact origins of Pan de Muerto are debated, it is thought to have roots in the Spanish conquest, when European breads were adapted to indigenous customs. Today, it’s a symbol of remembrance, often enjoyed with loved ones while honoring those who have passed.
Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home to enjoy this iconic bread:
Pan de Muerto Recipe
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
2 tsp orange zest
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir in the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla until combined.
Step 2: Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Punch down the dough and form it into a round loaf. Roll out a small portion of the dough to create the ‘bone’ decorations on top.
Step 5: Let the shaped dough rise for another hour.
Step 6: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle sugar over the top while warm. Enjoy!
Experience Dia de Muertos at Adobe Grill
Celebrate Dia de Muertos with us at Adobe Grill, where Chef Marco Aguilar has crafted a special prix fixe menu that pays tribute to his heritage and the flavors of this important holiday. End your meal with a delicious Pan de Muerto Relleno—Pastry Cream, Champurrado—and celebrate the day with family, friends, and loved ones, both past and present.
Book your table today to experience our Dia de Muertos menu and honor this vibrant tradition with Chef Aguilar’s unique culinary touch.