Easy & impressive chocolate treat!

Would you like a special treat to serve to your guests on New Year's Eve? Brigadeiros are a delicious Brazilian candy made with condensed milk. They are usually made in large batches for celebrations like birthday parties and special events. I love these for New Year's Eve because you can make them ahead of time and they look gorgeous, but are so easy to prepare. They also make a delicious gift.

You may even want to make them and put two or three in a small box, tie it up with a ribbon, and it makes a great party favor.








This time, I made my candies with pink sprinkles because you all know that I love anything pink, but you can use different sprinkles or toppings based on the desired look or specific holiday. At Halloween, I gave the girls' teachers orange Brigadieros and it was a hit!

Here's the recipe. Brigadeiros are super easy to make! The only thing I really recommend to you is that you actually put the butter on your hands before you roll the candy. I know, it feels kind of gross. I didn't like the idea of slathering butter on my hands, either, but the first time, the gooey candy stuck to my hands and I had a huge mess! Learn from my mistake. ;)

Instructions
1 can sweet condensed milk
3 tbsp unsweetened chocolate
2 teaspoons butter

sprinkles, chopped nuts, cocoa, or other toppings

1. Combine the condensed milk, chocolate powder and 1 tsp butter in a saucepan.
2. Stir until well combined and then place on the stove.
3. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden or metal spoon until the mixture starts to form small bubbles around the outside.
4. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, and add the other teaspoon butter.
5. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens. Keep stirring or the mixture will stick to the bottom of the pan.
6. Cook for 3 or 4 more minutes, stirring frequently. (You can end up stirring quite a bit in this recipe!)
7. Pour the contents of the pan onto a cookie sheet and spread it evenly across the surface until it is about 1/3 inch thick. Let it cool for a little while.
8. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
9. Take some butter in your hands and spread a bit of it into the palms of your hands.
10. Scoop up 1 tsp of the candy and roll it into a ball in the palms of your hands. Then drop into topping and cover.
11. Can be eaten fresh, refrigerated, or frozen.

Enjoy! I'd love to hear about any special recipes you may have for parties. I love entertaining.

xx Bethany