Brazilian Brigadeiro
"This candy is named after a renowned Brazilian politician of the 1920's, Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes. He was an Air Force brigadier general who first gained notoriety for playing a part in quashing a communist coup in Rio. He later ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1946 and 1950, during a brief breeze of democracy which blew after WWII in Brazil.
The name of the candy is that of his rank, Brigadeiro. Now, why would anyone name candy after an army general?
Well, back in 1922, he was tall, dark-haired with blue eyes. AND SINGLE!!!
The Brigadeiro campaign slogan was “Vote no Brigadeiro que é bonito e é solteiro”.
Or the other version “Brigadeiro Brigadeiro, e melhor porque e solteiro”.
Today, brigadeiro candy is a must have in any birthday party and kids love them."
photo by Jonathan Melendez
- Ready In:
- 1hr
- Ingredients:
- 4
- Serves:
-
20
ingredients
-
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- chocolate sprinkles, to decorate (or jimmies)
directions
-
PREPARE:
- Cook over medium-low heat, stir vigorously the sweetened condensed milk, margarine and cocoa powder.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens enough to show the pan bottom during stirring.
- Pour the mixture in a greased dish and let it cool to room temperature. Take small amounts of the mixture with a teaspoon and make 1 ½ inch balls.
- Roll the balls over chocolate jimmies to decorate.
- Hint: Grease your hands with margarine to make the balls easily.
- If the balls don't hold the shape and flat down like coins, it means that you did not cook enough. Cook additional five minutes, take a small sample and dip it in a glass with cold water. If you cooked enough, this sample should hold the shape after cooling down in the water.
- The cheapest , low grade sweetened condensed milk is the best to make the brigadeiro because they have more starch on them, which helps the candy to hold the shape.
- In US, buy the sweet condensed milk from the Walmart brand "Great Value", cook this brand for 20 minutes in medium heat stirring continuously and your brigadeiro is with the right consistency.
Questions & Replies
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Hi my name is Dina and I am very passionate about chocolate and I actually have a home based business where I prepare artisan chocolate bonbons for my clients from home. I live in Kuwait with my husband and kids and being a stay at home mom I finally found my passion. I recently stumbled upon the brigadeiros and they are amazing however unfortunately unlike chocolate ganache that could be made to last up to 3 months I am unable to make the brigadeiros last for more than 2 weeks refrigerated because they don’t have any additives or preservatives Is there any way you can advise me on how to make them last longer as they are becoming very popular and I really need to make use of my low season time to stock up on them Your advise would be highly appreciated even if any professional equipment is needed Thanks a million Best regards Dina Makouyan Ayoub Sent from my iPhone
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Can ghee be used in lieu of margarine? -
Can I use sweetened condensed coconut milk?
Reviews
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As the recipe states, it's really important to cook down the condensed milk mixture for the entire time, all while stirring. If you follow that, these will turn out perfect! They're so good and great as a treat! -
I’m Brazilian and I know how delicious it’s the brigadeiro . This one it’s so good! It’s not the same thing because when I prepare I do like in 15 minutes and this one in 1 hr.But is so delicious I lov it to! -
I only made these one time, but will be making them again. I am a chocolate lover and was craving something chocolatey one day but had nothing but cocoa powder in the house. So I searched and found this recipe (with such few ingredients, I had everything I needed). These were soooooooooooo good! I rolled some in mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, chopped pecans, and jimmies and they were all awesome. Thank you! -
Brigadeiros are one of my favorite desserts from my years living in Brazil! I also use the Walmart brand (Great Value) sweetened condensed milk with great success. Once the mixture is cool enough to touch, my kids help roll the balls in the chocolate sprinkles. Store in an airtight container. -
Haven't tried this recipe yet, but got a big kick out of the "Jimmies" term. I'm from Boston, and now live in upstate NY. They wouldn't know a jimmy if they fell over one! Thanks for the chuckle!
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