Brigadeiro (Brazilian Docinho)

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.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 40

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  tablespoons  chocolate-flavor Nestle Nesquik powder

Directions

1. 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.
2. A little cultural note: Have you noticed how many Brazilian recipes are made with condensed milk? It 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 milk' and that's what condensed milk is called to this day (Leite Moça).