Brigadeiro (Brazilian Sweets)

This recipe was given to me by my sweet Brazilian friend Luisa, the girlfriend of my (American) classmate Eric. This dessert is apparently very popular in Brazil, especially in children's parties. A quick google search showed me that it was "named after a Brazilian politician of the 1920's, Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes. He was an Army brigadier general who first gained notoriety for playing a part in quashing a communist coup in Rio. He later ran unsuccessfuly for the presidency in 1946 and 1950, during a brief breeze of democracy which blew after WWII."

The website wasn't quite sure why the dessert was named after a general, but the author said it might have been because he was yummy ;) Someone else said this might not be entirely accurate, and said "it is rumoured that this name was created by someone who didn't like Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes very much... it's about the fact that he had lost one of his testicles during the war (he was shot). Then people during the elections called the candy "brigadeiro" because it doesn't need an egg and "egg" in Portuguese is slang for "testicle".

The recipe that Lu gave me actually calls for eggs, but if you want to "honor" Brigadeiro Gomes' fallen egg, you may leave out the yolks.

What You'll Need

1 can condensed milk
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons chocolate (Nesquik, or something similar. Cocoa powder, if you want a stronger chocolate taste)
1 tablespoon butter
Chocolate sprinkles

What You'll Do

Mix everything together in a heavy saucepan over low heat and stir until the mix detaches from the bottom of the pan.
Shape into balls and roll in chocolate sprinkles.
Refrigerate before eating.

Comments

Anonymous said…
ahh!! i love that stuff!!! my brazilian friend showed me how to make it and ive been craving it ever sence!! but she make it in a glass pan in the microwave.. is there different ways you could make it but get the same result? thanks bunches!!

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