1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 stick of butter or margarine
(you can use only 1 Tbsp and it will still work)
2 heaping Tbsp of Nestlé's Quick
In a heavy saucepan mix chocolate with condensed milk and add the margarine
Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until you can see the bottom of the pan. Continue to stir for another two minutes.
Pour onto a plate and let cool completely before you form the little balls (I usually leave it in the cupboard until next day). Butter your hands slightly before forming the dough. Roll the balls in chocolate powder or jimmies and put them in small paper cups.
A little cultural note: Have you noticed how many Brazilian recipes are made with condensed milk? Condensed milk came to Brazil from Switzerland over a hundred years ago. It's made by Nestlé —and because the label featured the picture of a milkmaid, the cans became known as the "maid's milk". In Brazil, to this day, that's what condensed milk is called: (Leite Moça).
About this dessert: These sweets made with condensed milk and chocolate belong to that marvelous category of Brazilian "docinhos." They are perpetual favorites with children and adults alike. I don't think I've ever seen a Brazilian birthday party without them and they are a huge success with Americans, too.
Now, about the name: Don't ask me why, but they were named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a very famous Air Force commander from the Forties. Actually, a considerable number of Brazilian desserts are named after a famous personality: one that comes to mind is Martha Rocha Torte, named after the beauty from Bahia who was Miss Brazil sometime in the Fifties.
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