Traditional Brazilian Truffles Recipe by The Sweet Brigadier

This week wraps up the largest Brazilian holiday, Carnival. Carnival is an annual festival celebrating the beginning of Lent that is a nationwide celebration throughout Brazil. In honor of this fun holiday we thought it fitting to highlight a local Brazilian baker and chocolatier, The Sweet Brigadier.

Marcela Ferrinha, owner and chef of The Sweet Brigadier, specializes in the the classic Brazilian truffle, brigadeiro. Her truffles are so good that we had to ask for her recipe for these classic Brazilian truffles. Follow #gygilocals for more local artisans inspiring the Salt Lake landscape one delicious creation at a time!

What you’ll need for the traditional brigadeiro

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

1 tablespoon butter

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

chocolate sprinkles

Makes 30 truffles

In a medium saucepan combine the sweetened condensed milk and butter. Marcela suggests to use La Lecherea condensed milk by Nestle. It’s the same brand used in Brazil and gives your truffles an extra authentic touch. Sift the cocoa powder into the pan and mix everything together. Place the saucepan on low heat and stir continuously until the mixture stops sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool completely. Grease your hands with a little butter and begin to roll your mixture into little truffle balls. Roll each ball into chocolate sprinkles and let them set up for a couple minutes.

Marcela flavors her brigadeiro in an assortment of flavors, including, cashew, peanut, coconut, and cayenne, just to name a few. She also uses this recipe for the center of her chocolate dipped truffles.

By melting down Callebaut Bel Nor Gold Semi-Sweet chocolate callets, pouring them into a mold, and adding the gooey brigadeiro center, she makes mouth-watering truffles that are must try!