Signature Recipes

One of the most popular chocolate dessert in Brazil is the brigadeiro, a buttery chocolate bonbon with the texture of a thick ganache rolled into balls varying from the size of a marble to a golf ball and always covered by chocolate sprinkles. It is the Brazilian version of the chocolate truffle.

“Perhaps the most interesting thing about this treat is that it is always served at children’s birthday parties. You can be sure that if you have been invited for a birthday in Brazil, you will find the brigadeiro on the table,” says Texas de Brazil Culinary Director Evandro Caregnato. Brigadeiros are served at all Texas de Brazil restaurants.

“And because you usually attend several birthdays’ parties during your early age, you get this sentimental connection with the brigadeiro that follows you for your entire life. It brings you back to the good times. It is comfort food!” says Caregnato.

“As a grown up, you were not supposed to love something that sweet served for chidren, but this is not the case. Adult Brazilians love it and you can find the brigadeiro all over, from bakeries to fancy restaurants. Pregnant women crave about the brigadeiro. It is an easy treat to make, so it would be a nice surprise for a children’s party or any time. The recipe is much simpler than you would think and it is worth it a try,” he says.

Brigadeiro

1 can 14 oz condensed milk
1 oz butter
6 oz of good quality dark cocoa powder. The amount may
        vary with brand and quality.
Chocolate sprinkles

Mix all ingredients in a heavy bottom saucer pan. Cook the mixture on slow heat, stirring with a wooden spoon for about 15 minutes. Once the mixture starts simmering you can’t stop stirring.

It is ready when scraping with the spoon you can see the bottom of the pan. If you cook too long the sugar will crystallize; remove from heat too soon and it will be gluey.

Let the mixture cool completely and them form small balls by hand. Place the chocolate sprinkles on a plate and roll the balls until completely covered. Serve the bonbons in paper cups.