Some argue pastel is Brazil’s favorite snack food. We like to think it is the Pão de Queijo. Nevertheless whenever I fly home a pastel de queijo is one of the first things on my ‘to eat’ list. You will find them at farmer’s market as huge rectangles or in bars and restaurant in a…
While looking through the recipes for Brazilian sweet treats my American friends like the most I realized that a lot of them are based on condensed milk: Paçoca, Mango Mousse, Manjar Branco, Avocado Cream. I guess it is the definite proof that Brazilians have a sweet tooth. So, here is another one: Palha Brasileira or…
Brigadeiros are often described as a cross between a truffle and a fudge. A favorite treat at kid’s birthday parties in Brazil, the original version is made with condensed milk and chocolate. In the 1940’s during Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes’ run for president the ladies who supported him sold the chocolate sweet at fundraisers. His campaign…
When I first visited the US I was surprised that people would eat peanut butter with jelly in a sandwich. This happened when I asked what in the world PB&J meant. In Brazil we eat peanuts a little differently. They are sold roasted and still warm from street vendors who also sell it mixed with…
I grew up with six brothers and learned baking skills from my mother. As you can see it is difficult to find a picture that shows all of us. For more on our large family check here. No, I was not the princess in case you were wondering. My brothers were the perfect public for…
My family on my father’s side hails from the state of Minas Gerais, where Pão de Queijo (also known as Brazilian cheese bread), originated. From early on, I watched my grandmother (the lady sitting on the left in the photo above), boil the milk, grate the cheese and mix the dough by hand in large…
