Saturday, July 24, 2010

Brigadeiro - From Brazil to the World




This blogpost is contributed by Marilia Magdala, Brazil. 
Visit her blog  Little Lights.





Brigadeiro (Portuguese for Brigadier; also known as negrinho (literal meaning "blackie") in some southern Brazilian states is a simple Brazilian chocolate candy. The shape of Brigadeiro is reminiscent of that of some varieties of chocolate truffles. The Brigadeiro is a popular candy in Spain, Brazil, Chile and Portugal.
In Brazil , it is usually served at birthday parties.

History of Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro was first created in the 1940s and named after the Brazilian Air Force Brigadier, Eduardo Gomes. Eduardo Gomes was a Brazilian Air Force brigadier who first gained popularity for playing a part in squashing a communist rebellion in Rio de Janeiro, 1935. Later he ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1946 and 1950.


Many single ladies prepared a party to receive Brigadier Eduardo, and some of them prepared a new candy for him. This new candy was called BRIGADIER. Since then, the delicious brigadier is the preferred candy of all women! During the politic his campaign for presidency, the Brigadier Eduardo Gomes had a slogan by the single ladies: “Vote Brigadier!" meaning "He is handsome and single 1" (but everyone likes this candy, even men, of course)
These times of war had brought about a shortage of traditional imports such as nuts and fruits because of the war. But, at the same time, Nestlé was introducing its brand of chocolate powder and condensed milk (an ingredient for Brigadeiro) into the country which paved way for the invention of the new candy Brigadeiro.
Although Brazil is a major producer of cocoa beans((an ingredient for Brigadeiro), it is believed that the creation and success of the candy was a combination of opportunities : the multinational corporation Nestlé, which introduced chocolate powder and condensed milk; the creators who named it after the famous politician, the need to find a replacement to imported sweets; and its ease of manufacture.

Brigadeiro recipe (The Traditional one)

The candy is made by mixing sweetened condensed milk, butter and cocoa powder together. The mixture is then heated in a pan on the stove or in a microwave oven to obtain a smooth, sticky texture. It usually rolled into balls which are covered in granulated chocolate; that is the way brigadeiros are served at children's birthday parties. It can also be consumed unrolled, with a spoon or used as a topping or filling for cakes, brownies and other pastries.


Ingredients:
1 Can of sweetened condensed milk (aprox. 395 g)
2 Tablespoons of  margarine
7 Tablespoons of chocolate powder or other cocoa powder
4 Spoons of chocolate sprinkles to make balls




 Preparation method:
• Combine ingredients in a pot (or mix the milk, margarine and chocolate powder in a pot).
• Cook over medium heat and stir constantly.
• Cook until mixture thickens enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely.
• Coat hands with margarine (or butter the hands) and roll the mixture into small balls.
• Roll over the chocolate sprinkles or Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles



You can add fruits inside the balls or you can roll over the balls with others types of sprinkles, not necessarily chocolat, but nuts and etc (these are the  new brigadiers)
pix







You can put the cream in mini cups also, like this:





 
 

There many ways to enjoy this candy. You can make the small balls or even to eat the candy from recipient - The favourite and preferred way is to eat at home. while watching movies :P 




 
=) Have a Brigadier's Overdose! lol

2 comments:

  1. Wow, What a nice post! I had never seen in my short life an indian righting about Brazilian brigadeiro!
    I really like your post about sports in India and I posted on my blog about indian football, if you wanna take a look. :D
    www.meninamaisquefeliz.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. @Chris - Thanks a lot ! I will definitely visit your post.
    The Brigadeiro post has been posted by my friend and co author - Marilia Magdala from Brazil.
    It is mentioned near the subject of the blog !
    I have prepared the Brigadeiro since then 2 times in India , and I find it really Yummy !!!!!

    ReplyDelete