How To Make Brigadeiros
Until a few days ago, I'd never heard of a brigadeiro. My husband asked
if I knew what they were after spotting them on a 2011 trend list.
What? A food trend I hadn't heard of? How could it be!
Being a curious cook, I decided that whatever they were I'd make them. Then I found out they contain condensed milk (which I
can eat by the spoonful) and chocolate. Oh, yeah. Definitely making
them.
Trendspotter JWT listed brigadeiros, "the most popular treat in Brazil," as one of 100 things to watch in 2011. The Food Channel also noted them, saying: "This sweet Brazilian candy is made by mixing sweetened
condensed milk, butter and cocoa powder. It's usually rolled into a ball
and coated in granulated sugar, but it can also take on other flavors.
It's the national truffle of Brazil. Look for it to come to our shores
in 2011."
More googling led me to these precocious kids (warning it autoplays!) who had me chanting "Bri-GA-Deir-O!" while I pulled out my pot to try them out.
My verdict? These three-ingredient treats are a super easy sweet to whip
up. They're a little gummy, like a cross between caramel and fudge. I
rolled mine in toasted coconut and raw sugar, and simply topped a few
more with a few grains of fleur de sel.
I think they'll play nicely in the trend playpen with whoopie pies, macarons and cupcakes.
Brigadeiros
makes about 20
1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon butter
topping ideas:
toasted coconut
chocolate sprinkles
raw sugar
sea salt
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the ingredients together. Stir
constantly for about 10-12 minutes until you can easily see the bottom
of the pan as you stir. Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool to
room temperature. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Once
thoroughly chilled, scoop small spoonfuls of the chocolate and, using
your hands, roll them into balls. Roll the balls into your preferred
topping and enjoy.