I love any candy that is chewy and melts in your mouth (unless it tastes like watermelon). I have been reading about brigadeiros lately and thought that they would be a good addition to my truffle/caramel/fudge repertoire. 

Brigadeiros are brazilian candies made of condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Because they are so simple to make, there are a number of variations out there including recipes made with cream, corn syrup, coconut milk, chocolate, etc. I decided to make two versions of the candy: one that excluded cocoa powder but added corn syrup and coconut milk and another with cocoa powder + salt and almond extract.

Although the texture of the first version was perfect, the flavor was pretty boring. The second version was delicious...I bet it would be even better with some espresso in the mix (next time).

Brigadeiros

14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
2.5 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp cocoa powder (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp almond extract

Make the brigadeiros: Combine the milk, butter, cocoa powder, salt, and almond extract in a small pot. 

Turn heat to medium low (more low than medium...) and begin stirring until butter is melted and all ingredients are combined. 

Continue stirring while the mixture boils then turn the heat to low and continue to stir for about 15 minutes or until the mixture becomes fudge-like and begins to pull away from the side of the pan. 

Once you get to this point, remove from heat and slide into a bowl to cool. Do not scrape the sides or the bottom because this part of the mixture will become hard once it cools. 

Let the mixture cool for a few hours then scoop into small balls using a teaspoon or a scoop (I used #40) and roll in cocoa powder, sprinkles, coconut, ground pistachios, etc.