Brigadeiros from Brazil

A brigadeiro is a sweet little delicacy from Brazil.
The traditional way of being presented is a chocolate ball covered with chocolate sprinkles, but in past years the image has changed a bit and it can now be found in a variety of flavours and toppings.

There are a few versions of the origin of brigadeiros, but this one is the most popular:

It is named after the brazilian Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, who started his Presidential Campaign in 1945.

With his good-looking appearance he attracted a group of female fans who created these chocolate balls and sold them to raise money for his campaign. In the end he didn't win the campaign, but the brigadeiros have been preserved.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk                
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder                                 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt                                                     
• 3 tablespoons butter                                       
• 1 teaspoon vanilla                                          
• Chocolate sprinkles for decoration                    

Preparation:

1. Pour the condensed milk into your heaviest pot. Stir in the cocoa powder and the salt.
2. Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat. Keep the mixture barely simmering to prevent burning and sticking.
3. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring, until mixture becomes very thick and shiny and starts to pull away from the bottom and sides of the pan.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and the vanilla.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. With buttered hands, roll the mixture into 1 inch balls.
6. Roll each ball in the chocolate sprinkles, and place in a paper liner.
7. Chill until ready to serve.