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There are so many beautiful aspects to Day of the Dead, but for me this holiday means one thing: Pan de Muerto, a special bread available during autumn weeks surrounding El Día de Muertos. Growing up on Mexico's Pacific coast, I didn't see much pan de muerto. In fact, I wasn't exposed to many traditional Mexican breads other than bolillo, birotes and conchas. My first taste of pan de muerto didn't come until much later when, as a university exchange student in Mexico City, my host family, teachers and friends fed me the stuff until I was nearly muerto myself from overeating. I quickly fell in love with the seasonal treat. More

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An occasion steeped in tradition, Day of the Dead feasts were offered to the spirit of the departed. According to chef Lucio Palazzo at Xochitl in Philadelphia, an altar was built bearing favorite foods and refreshments of the departed "to quench the spirit's thirst and relieve the soul's hunger after the long journey from the afterworld." We've compiled a menu to start your Day of the Dead celebration in spicy style. More