Brigadeiros (Brazillian Choc Fudge Balls)

Brigadeiro is a Brazillian fudge candy created in the 1940's and was named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes. It resembles a chocolate truffle, and is often made with condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter, rolled into little balls and covered in chocolate sprinkles. They are apparently very popular treats at children's birthday parties in Brazil.

These are really easy to make, and they look so pretty in colourful little paper cups. Zach absolutely loves them and I had to set a quota on how many times he could go back to the fridge for more. On the other hand, I actually found them a little too sweet for my liking, and could have perhaps made them half size smaller in order to reduce the impact of the sugar hit. In any case, I'm sure these fudgey chocolate sweets will be a hit at any kids' party!

Brigadeiros

Ingredients

1 can sweetened condensed milk

3 tbsp cocoa (or substitute with dark chocolate melts)

1 tbsp butter

Chocolate rice or rainbow sprinkles

Method

Combine milk, cocoa and butter in a saucepan and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until thickened and starts to pull away from the pan. Remove from heat and pour into a greased bowl or pan. Let it cool and refrigerate for half an hour or until it is firm enough to roll into balls.

Scoop with a teaspoon and form small balls by rolling them between the palms of your hands. Roll them in sprinkles or chocolate rice until evenly covered, and place them in little paper cups. Refrigerate. Serve at room temperature.