• Brazilian Dessert: Brigadeiro

I have been so lucky on this trip. Well, I was robbed. But apart from that, my trip so far has been filled with amazing experiences.  I have met people who are so generous in spirit and have shown me another side to the beautiful Brazil.  This has seen me frequent local hangouts, dance, see people’s homes and experience living as a Brazilian would.  Of course this has also translated into food and the sharing of typical dishes.

Whilst the food in Brazil overall has been bad so far, I have been fortunately enough to try some tasty meals as well as some delicious home cooked dishes.  Everyone always says home cooked food is the best when travelling, but it is not as easy as walking into someone’s home and serving yourself a plate.

This recipe was from my friend's wife while we were at their fazenda (like a Brazilian farm house). Brigadeiro is a typical Brazilian dessert and very easy to make.   It is ridiculously sweet but irresistible.


Ingredients
395g tin of sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons cocoa or drinking chocolate powder

Method
Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and stir until the chocolate powder is blended.  Place over a low heat and continue to stir, mixing in the butter as it melts.  Once the ingredients all blended, continue to stir over a low heat.

When the mixture starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, it is almost ready.

Option 1 – eat with a spoon
As the mixture forms soft mounds, remove from heat and pour onto a cold plate to cool.  Eat warm or cold with a spoon.  This sounds completely indulgent, and trust me, it is.


Option 2 – mold into balls
Cook for a little longer until the mixture thickens.  Pour onto a cold plate and allow to cool.  Whilst it is still warm but cool enough to touch, rub butter over your hands then roll dollops of the mixture into small balls.  Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles.