When it comes to food combinations is there anything better than chocolate and caramel? Well, okay, there are a ton of good combos, but this one is in the top five for me.
Last week I needed to do a test run of some of my upcoming holiday treats so I set out to make Brigadeiros. This food came in as # 3 on my 30 Foods List and it’s also a cultural lesson on Brazil foods. I haven’t featured a Brazilian food in a while.
I’ve found Brigadeiro everywhere I’ve been in Brazil. They love it. You can find it as the candy itself, cake flavors, ice cream bars and packaged cookies.
This candy could not be easier to make. The star ingredient is sweetened condensed milk. I know, not so healthy. I remember only using SCM for one thing growing up – fudge. Other than that we rarely purchased it.
Where I live in Brazil it is used to make almost every dessert. Oh, and they drink it too. It’s mixed into cocktails and sometimes they even drink it straight. This is certainly not a practice I’m getting into. Honestly, the cocktails make me gag.
But every once in a while you find a great thing made with the ever popular SCM that is worth the not-so-healthy status. Brigadeiro is one of those things.
Brigadeiro
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 Tbsp butter, plus extra when rolling balls
2 Tbsp cocoa
½ cup chocolate sprinkles
2 Tbsp butter, plus extra when rolling balls
2 Tbsp cocoa
½ cup chocolate sprinkles
Heat sweetened condensed milk and butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly. You have to continue this process until the milk turns into a thick carame- like substance. It is ready when you stir and can start seeing the bottom of the pan. It takes about 15 minutes.
Once thickened remove from heat and add 2 heaping Tbsp of cocoa powder. Stir to combine. Put mixture into a bowl to cool. Once cool roll into balls. You’ll need to keep your hands buttered for this to keep the brigadeiro from sticking. Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles and put in mini-liners. The recipe makes about 25.
Wow. That looks decadent and delicious.
They look beautiful! Nice work!
You are a temptress. Anything better? Maybe chocolate and peanut butter.
Simple and easy and tasty. Doesn’t get much better than that, even if you do use a can of SCM. 🙂
Sweetened condensed milk…for magic cookie bars, once a year! Other than that I don’t think I ever buy it. Although that’s what’s in a vietnamese coffee I think, and my husband LOVES those.
Oh, these are going on the Christmas cookie list for sure! They look easy and delicious! Thanks.
Those sound amazing, like dulce de leche mixed with chocolate!
I have yet to step foot in Brazil but I’m obsessed with Brazilian cuisine! I am so going make these. I loved SCM – as a child, I would spread it on toasted bread. Instant sweet snack!
cathy – They are as good as they look for sure.
Erica – Thanks!
Dr. Hubbard – That is the exact combo that came to my mind. 🙂
Jenn – The easy is the best part.
Michelle – I’ve seen vietnamese coffee on menus, but never tried it. Good to know how it is made. 🙂
Happy Runner – They are an easy, great tasting addition for sure.
kat – Exactly! A great flavor combo!
Tangled Noodle – Brazilian cuisine is interesting for sure. I do like it when I get past all that red meat and find something different like these. 🙂
Mmm… those look sinfully delicious!
Katie – They are so great. You definitely have to exercise moderation. 🙂
Lori, how could you do this to us? Posting such an easy recipe that produces an elegant looking product that is so bad for you! Haha, they look great, and I may just have to try them one of these days…but only when I know I’ll be able to share them with others to avoid sending myself into a sugar-induced coma 🙂
These are so good, a Brazilan friend made them for a picnic we had and they were a hit. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Emily – Ha, ha! I know, I know. They are almost too simple. Kind of dangerous, but they are good to share. Repeating…healthy moderation, healthy moderation. 🙂
oysterculture – You are welcome! Thanks so much for your comment.
These are my #1 favorite treat and I seriously can taste these even when I haven’t had them in years!! I loved making them when I was a kid. I’m going to have to get my recipe out and compare!! 🙂 Thanks!
ChefBliss – I would love to see the comparisons in your recipe. I’m always interested in how things are made differently around here.