Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is a Brazilian sweet made with condensed milk, butter and cocoa powder, rolled into small balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. It is one of the most recognisable treats in Brazil and appears at almost every children's birthday party.

History

The most widely repeated account places its origin in Rio de Janeiro during the 1945 presidential campaign. According to this tradition, supporters of Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, the UDN candidate, held parties to promote his bid, and Heloísa Nabuco de Oliveira is credited with naming the sweet after him. Women sold them to raise campaign funds, but Gomes lost the election to Eurico Gaspar Dutra.

Over time the recipe was simplified and adapted, and variants such as beijinho, with desiccated coconut, and cajuzinho, with cashew, grew out of the original. One researcher links its roots to the 1920s, when condensed milk began to be sold in Brazil. Gourmet versions later took it into specialist shops and abroad, and in 2014 a shop devoted entirely to brigadeiros opened in New York.

Culture

Brigadeiro is an emblem of Brazilian food culture, eaten in every region and across every social class. Its best-known form, small balls in paper cases, is a staple of children's birthday parties, where it is served after the cake. Made at home, it is also eaten straight from the pan, which is why it is sometimes called brigadeiro de cuchara, or spoon brigadeiro.

In specialist shops it has taken on a gourmet character, with pistachio, almond, hazelnut or liqueur flavours, presented in small cups, boxes or tubes. For many Brazilians it carries affection: it is linked to friendship, nights out with friends and the warm feeling of sharing time with family.

Trivia