Celebrate birthdays with family and friends by making traditional gooey, chocolaty truffles with a Brazilian background.
Brazil is a huge country with a wide variety of traditions in food. But there are a few recipes that are known and enjoyed from North to South. Brigadeiro is one of them. The fudgy chocolate truffles are served at every birthday party in Brazil. Adults and kids love them, and anyone who tries them for the first time becomes a big fan. It is no wonder that Brigadeiro is a great food to share with friends and family.
To make Brazilian Truffles you will need sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa power and unsalted butter.
Traditionally, the candies are rolled in chocolate sprinkles, but I find it fun to substitute nuts and other toppings for the sprinkles. This time, I decided to use shredded coconut, sliced almonds, chopped pistachios and a couple of interesting sprinkles I found while traveling in Brazil. Separate all the toppings into bowls and set them aside.
Grease a serving platter with unsalted butter.
Choose a heavy saucepan. Although not required, it is safer to use a non-stick pan. Put the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter in the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. When the mixture starts to boil, turn the heat down to medium-low. Continue to cook 10 to 15 minutes more, stirring constantly. (It is very important that you do not stop stirring!) The candy is ready when it starts to pull away from the bottom and sides of the pan. You can see that very well when you tilt the pan and the whole mixture easily slides down.
Pour the mixture onto the greased serving platter; set aside to cool. You can put it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
When the mixture is completely cool and firm, you can start forming the truffles. Use a teaspoon or a melon baller to scoop it out.
Grease your hands with unsalted butter and roll the truffles into 1- to 1-1/2-inch balls. Drop balls into sprinkles or toppings of your choice, rolling around so that they are completely covered.
You might need to use your fingers to help the nuts stick to the truffles.
To serve, place each candy in a small paper baking cup or any other pretty paper cup. To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If sharing the truffles, put an assortment in a pretty gift box. Be sure to add storage instructions.
Who wouldn’t love this chocolaty piece of heaven?
