Pan de Muerto - Mexican Bread of the Dead

Directions

1. Makes 2 Loaves
2. In a saucepan over a medium flame, heat the butter, milk, and water until the butter melts.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, the yeast, salt and anise seed, and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Add the butter and milk mixture and stir until well combined. Add the eggs and beat in another cup of flour. Continue to add more flour until the dough is soft but not sticky. Knead the dough on a lightly floured board for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Lightly grease a large mixing bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch the dough down and shape into 2 loaves resembling skulls or skeletons. Let rise in a warm place fro 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake the loaves on a baking sheet for 40 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
6. While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the orange juice and zest over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, for two minutes, then remove from the heat. Keep warm.
7. When bread is done, apply the glaze to the hot loaves with a pastry brush.