A  Sweet and Easy Brazilian Chocolate Treat for Valentines Day

During the holidays, I received a box of Brigadeiros as a gift from my Brazilian friend. This wonderful fudgy truffle-like confection is a famous chocolate treat in Brazil. How had I not tasted this before?

These perfectly sized chocolate balls rolled in sprinkles are as much a delight to the eye as they are to the tastebuds. I had questions that required answers. My friend was happy to oblige.

Brigadeiros originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, post-WW11. At that time, a very popular brigadier named Eduardo Gomes was running for President. Some say Eduardo was quite the lady’s man. Interesting how history repeats itself! In an attempt to sway and support Gomes's election, his endorsers thought to create a delicious confection to sell to help fund his campaign. Easier said than done. Post-war food shortages, including milk and sugar, were hard to come by. Fortunately, a Rio de Janeiro confectioner named Heloisa de Oliveira found a way around this dilemma by using readily available condensed milk. That's the story.

Stuck at home during Covid and the largest snowfall of the year so far, I decided to make homemade Brigadeiros for Valentine's Day. This recipe consists of five ingredients, including the sprinkles. This isn't a heavy ingredient recipe, which is why the quality of each component counts.  Brigadeiros placed in mini candy cups and displayed in festive containers make an excellent gift for any occasion. A bottle of Champagne or Prosecco is the perfect companion to these luscious chocolate balls!

                                                  Brigadeiros

Before you begin:

Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Valrhona). Use a non-stick saucepan.  Stir constantly with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon; do not scorch.  It should take about 15 – 20 minutes for the mixture to thicken and start coming away from the sides of the pan. The mixture should be thick and fudgy. Patience is a must.

Ingredients:

1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

A pinch of salt

Assorted sprinkles or chopped nuts

Directions:

1.       Pour the condensed milk, cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of the butter and a pinch of salt, into a medium non-stick saucepan. Stir until blended.

2.       Place over medium heat and continuously stir until edges begin to bubble, then reduce heat to a simmer.

3.       Continue stirring,  scraping down the sides and bottom of the pan.

4.       In about 15 minutes, the mixture should be quite thick. If not, continue for 5 more minutes until fudgy. Remove from the heat.

5.       Pour your variety of sprinkles into individual bowls.

6.       Butter a 9" square baking dish. Pour the chocolate mixture into the dish. Let cool for two hours.

7.       Once the Brigadeiro mixture is cooled, grease your hands with butter and roll into 1 teaspoon-sized balls.

8.       Roll the balls into the sprinkle mixture, re-roll, and place in candy papers.

9.       Refrigeration is not necessary, although I like my Brigadeiro chilled.

P.S. Eduardo Gomes did not win the election.

Specialty items can be ordered from Amazon, using these links:

Valrhona unsweetened Cocoa powder:   https://amzn.to/2MlyZJO

Mini Cupcake paper liners:  https://amzn.to/3cH2jFn

Mini Cupcake Container - Set of 5 | Plastic Dome Cupcake Box:    https://amzn.to/3alQYra

Valentine’s Assorted Sprinkle Mix:  https://amzn.to/36CrcxZ

As an Amazon Affiliate, I get compensated for purchases.