Brazilian Brigadeiro are a classic and at this time, despite being the least sportiest person on the planet, yet a very competitive person means my Olympics obsession has returned and while preparing to make these sweet bites on Saturday afternoon I sat enamored watching freestyle snowboarding and thinking I have truffles to make with the Summer olympics taking place in Rio in only two years!
Enthralling super humans did things with their body I only ever wish I was cool enough to do, something about throwing my body into odd places is not something I have a fondness for (I’m looking at that time I couldn’t face the notion of trying the luge and so sat for a couple of hours waiting on my father and brother to have the time of their lives while I let fear win).
Arms in air, yelling at the TV and still wearing my comfy pj’s I found no reason good enough to stop watching. ‘Go out in the world and spend time with people’, not a crossing thought as the Olympics reign my life for two weeks every two years and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In another life I would be a snowboarder and surfer and one day I’ll dedicate time to actually doing both. Right now kitchen creations that can be whipped up between two ad breaks for upcoming Valentines and singles alike (everyone has to eat) to enjoy was successfully completed.
The origins of the Brazilian fudge truffles named Brigadeiro are named so after an Air Force brigadier lands us back to Rio de Janeiro, seems this guy ticked all the physical boxes – tall, dark, handsome and very available. If the saying ‘a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ is true then these will melt anyone’s heart into love.
Or at least it seems that was the intention in creating these morsels of powerful sweet chocolate. Brazilians love to use sweetened condensed milk so if you have a can sitting in your pantry then you are already half way there to making these.
They are sweet bites of caramel and chocolate and small enough to want more than one and if you do make these for Valentines or to share you should definitely note your ability to whip up foreign cuisine. That’ll surely impress! Brazilian Brigadeiro also travel well and are a great treat to bring along to a barbecue or dinner as they’re small enough most won’t be able to refuse one serving.
How to prepare Brazilian Brigadeiro
- Create the truffles: Place the sweetened condensed milk, salt and cocoa powder into a saucepan.
- Simmer until thickened: Stirring consistently over medium heat until thickened.
- Butta baby: Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until well incorporated.
- Chill: Place in the firdge to chill.
- Truffle time: Roll a tablespoon amount of the truffle mixture and roll into a ball.
- Sprinkle: Roll in sprinkles until fully covered.
- Serve: Place into a paper cup and repeat. Dig in and enjoy!
Tips for the Brazilian Brigadeiro
Traditional sprinkles: The brigadeiro are traditionally rolled into long cocoa sprinkles, though if you cannot find these in your local supermarket, other sprinkles can be subbed in.
Speeding up the cooling process: If you are short for time and have a large pot that you can fill with ice, you could place the brigadeiro saucepan into a pot of ice like a bain marie, stirring to cool evenly for 2 minutes and setting in the pot for 5 minutes to set before putting into the fridge for 20 minutes.
More candy recipes you’ll enjoy
Brazilian Brigadeiro
Adapted from About.com
Makes 16
Ingredients:
414 milliliters can sweetened condensed milk
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
40 grams / 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
Approximately 1/2 cup sprinkles
Directions:
Place the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan, alongside the salt and sift in the cocoa powder.
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Place on medium heat, stirring consistenly as it simmers to ensure the mixture remains smooth and doesn’t burn.
Cook until thick and no longer sticking to the edges, approximately 15 minutes.
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Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
Refrigerate for 45 minutes, until well chilled.
Take a tablespoon amount and roll into truffles in the palm of your hand.
Roll in the sprinkles until fully covered and place into a paper cup.
Repeat with the remaining truffle mixture until complete.
Keep refrigerated until serving.
Brazilian Brigadeiro
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes 16 1x
- Category: Candy
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Description
Made with only 5 ingredients you’ll likely already have in your pantry these are fudgy and chocolatey and something most will want more than one serving of.
Ingredients
414 milliliters can sweetened condensed milk
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
40 grams / 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
Approximately 1/2 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Place the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan, alongside the salt and sift in the cocoa powder.
- Place on medium heat, stirring consistenly as it simmers to ensure the mixture remains smooth and doesn’t burn.
- Cook until thick and no longer sticking to the edges, approximately 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
- Refrigerate for 45 minutes, until well chilled.
- Roll in the sprinkles until fully covered and place into a paper cup.
- Repeat with the remaining truffle mixture until complete.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
Traditional sprinkles: The brigadeiro are traditionally rolled into long cocoa sprinkles, though if you cannot find these in your local supermarket, other sprinkles can be subbed in.
Speeding up the cooling process: If you are short for time and have a large pot that you can fill with ice, you could place the brigadeiro saucepan into a pot of ice like a bain marie, stirring to cool evenly for 2 minutes and setting in the pot for 5 minutes to set before putting into the fridge for 20 minutes.
Adapted from About.com
