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.

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 stick of butter or margarine (you can use only 1 Tbsp and it will still work out)
• 2 heaping Tbsp of Nestlé Quick or 1 Tbsp of Quick and 1 of Hershey’s Cocoa. I actually even use Suchard breakfast chocolate when I can get it from Switzerland.

In a heavy saucepan mix chocolate with condensed milk and add the margarine. Cook in 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 to form the little balls. Roll the balls in chocolate powder or jimmies and put them in small paper cups.

In a heavy saucepan mix chocolate with condensed milk and add the margarine. Cook in 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 to form the little balls. Roll the balls in chocolate powder or jimmies and put them in small paper cups.

If you make them really small, you can serve them with coffee, right on the saucer next to the cup. It looks very chic! If you cook the mixture a little less, you can serve “Spooned Brigadeiros” in small, decorative cups with tiny spoons.