Recipe

Makes: 20-25 brigadieros
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 hours

Ingredients:

For the Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk:
● 4 cups of whole milk
● 1 to 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar (adjust according to taste)
● 1 tablespoon of butter (for added richness, optional)
● A pinch of baking soda (to prevent the milk from curdling)

For the Brigadieros:
● 1 batch of homemade condensed milk (cooled)
● 4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
● 2 tablespoons of butter, plus extra for rolling
● Grated chocolate for coating

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Milk: Pour the milk into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add
the sugar and stir well to combine. If using, add the tablespoon of butter for
extra richness.

2. Cook the Milk and Reduce:
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle
simmer, stirring frequently to ensure the sugar fully dissolves and the milk
does not scorch on the bottom.
Once the mixture is simmering, add a pinch of baking soda. This will help
prevent the milk from curdling during the reduction process. Continue to
simmer the mixture, stirring often, until it has reduced by about half and
thickened, which may take around 1 to 2 hours. The mixture should be visibly
thicker and a light caramel color.

3. Cool:
Once thickened, remove the condensed milk from the heat and allow it to cool.
It will continue to thicken as it cools.

4. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium, non-stick saucepan, combine the homemade condensed milk,
cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix well until the cocoa is fully
incorporated into the milk.

5. Cook:
Place the saucepan over low heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it
thickens and starts to pull away from the sides and bottom of the pan. This
usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be thick enough that
you can see the bottom of the pan for a couple of seconds when you scrape it
with a spatula.

6. Cool:
Transfer the brigadeiro mixture to a greased plate or container and let it cool
to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm up,
making it easier to roll.

7. Roll into Balls:
Grease your hands with a bit of butter. Scoop a small amount of the brigadeiro
mixture and roll it between your palms to form a small ball. Repeat with the
remaining mixture.

8. Coat:
Roll each brigadeiro ball in chocolate sprinkles or grated chocolate until fully
covered.

9. Serve:
Brigadieros can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a
week.

Note: The preparation and cooking times for the sweetened condensed milk
can vary depending on factors like the initial volume of milk, the heat setting,
and the desired final thickness. The key is to watch the mixture closely,
especially as it thickens, to avoid burning or over-reducing.