Brazil | Recipe (Week 4)

Brigadeiros

AKA Chocolate Explosives

Brigadeiros

Recipe adapted from Durfee Family Recipes at durfeefamilyrecipes.blogspot.com

One of the best parts about visiting other countries is trying new foods.  I have always said that I have an extra stomach.  It is reserved for desserts.  It is so helpful because whenever I think I am full and can’t eat another bite, my extra stomach reminds me that I still have room for dessert.

Brigadeiros are a popular dessert in Brazil.  You can see from the photo that they are little balls of chocolate covered in sprinkles.  They are very sweet.  I think they go well with a glass of milk.

Based on my experience making these little chocolate explosives, I decided to adapt (change) the recipe by reducing the ingredients by half because it takes so long to stir the mixture.  If you want to make a bigger batch, then double the ingredients below and invite friends over to have a stirring party.  Kids this is not a recipe you should make on your own.  Have parents or older siblings/friends help you.

I am also including this tutorial video produced by  two  Brazilian sisters who were kind enough to invite viewers into their kitchen to see how it’s done.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• chocolate sprinkles

Bring butter, cream, and milk to a boil in a 4-qt. (or larger) saucepan over medium heat. Using the large saucepan helps to reach the right consistency (FYI:  thickness) more quickly.  Add chocolate and cocoa powder, and reduce heat to a low/medium-low; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is the consistency of thick thick batter (see video).  You should be able to drag your spoon across the bottom of the pan to create a chocolate valley that takes a second to refill.

Another way to test the consistency is to scoop some batter on your spatula, turn it upside down in the air and observe while it takes a second or two to fall of the spatula. This will take at least 15 minutes, perhaps longer. Be sure and stir constantly, taking care to scrape the sides and bottom of your sauce pan. You can take turns stirring with friends and/or family.

Once it’s at the right consistency, transfer to 9×13 Pyrex baking dish and let cool.  Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour until set.

When you’re ready to shape, take a little bit of butter and rub on the palm of your hands.  Using a tablespoon, portion out fudge and roll into balls.  Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve.  For a festive look place your brigadeiros, or chocolate explosives, in mini baking cups.

Servings:  about 25

As they say in Brazil, Bom Appetite! (FYI:  This Portuguese phrase is spoken before a meal and literally translates to Good Appetite.  There are many equivalents to the phrase Good Appetite in other languages.  Find out how to say Good Appetite in a language other than English and Portuguese and leave it in the comment section below!)

And I have to admit, I think this part is pretty cool.  You can listen to a recording of this common Portuguese phrase here:   Bom Appetite

Now you try to say it!  Good job.  Next, try saying it when everyone sits down to eat dinner.  Your family will be so impressed!