Although the legendary story of Manuel “Manny” Calavera’s take-down of post-life underworld criminal Hector LeMans is what made him famous, many who were friends and who worked with Calavera also know of his famous Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) recipe.

Made every year just before Day of the Dead celebrations, the glazed treat was appreciated by all. Many foodies are saddened that there has been no sequel to the culinary wonder that Manny shared with so many.

The recipe includes:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup water
• 5 cups flour
• 2 packages dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon whole anise seed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 eggs

Dough made from the ingredients is pressed into skull-shaped loaves with “Bones” placed around them.

The glaze is made of:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• Colored sugar (if desired)

It is simply spread on the bread, with the colored sugar sprinkled on top to taste.

This is, however, only a simplified version of the recipe (minus the former travel agent’s trademark orange water and orange peel zest). Other variations can easily be found on foodie and Dia de los Muertos-themed sites.