Beijinho de Canela Recipe
Background of Beijinho de Canela
The Beijinho de Canela is a delightful Brazilian sweet often enjoyed during festive occasions. This traditional dessert is cherished for its unique blend of creamy sweetness and the warm, comforting hint of cinnamon. Though rooted in Brazilian cuisine, variations of this treat can be found throughout Latin America. The term "Beijinho" translates to "little kiss" in Portuguese, reflecting its small, delicate form, and the addition of cinnamon gives it a distinct twist, setting it apart from the more commonly known Beijinho de Coco which uses coconut.
Ingredients
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1 can (approximately 14 ounces)
- Unsalted Butter - 1 tablespoon
- Ground Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
- Granulated Sugar - for coating
- Additional Cinnamon - for dusting
- Cloves - for decoration
Preparation
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, ensure all ingredients are measured and ready. The key to making a great Beijinho de Canela is having everything prepared so the cooking process can be smooth and continuous.
Step 2: Cooking the Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, and cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to ensure the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Continuously stirring is crucial as it helps incorporate the ingredients evenly and prevents any burning. This process should take about 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan. To ensure correct timing, consider using a cooking timer.
Step 3: Cooling the Mixture
Once thickened, remove the mixture from heat. Transfer it onto a shallow plate or dish to cool. Allow it to cool completely; this typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. You can place it in a refrigerator to speed up the process but be sure not to let it harden too much.
Step 4: Shaping the Beijinhos
When the mixture is sufficiently cool, it’s time to shape the Beijinho de Canela. With hands lightly greased with butter or wrapping hands in plastic gloves, scoop a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Each ball should be approximately the size of a chocolate truffle.
Step 5: Coating and Decoration
Roll each ball in granulated sugar for that perfect sweet coating. Once coated, place a clove at the top of each ball to provide a traditional decorative touch.
Step 6: Dusting
For a final aromatic touch, lightly dust the finished Beijinhos with additional cinnamon.
How to Enjoy Beijinho de Canela
Beijinho de Canela is best enjoyed as part of a dessert spread at celebrations or afternoon gatherings with coffee or tea. Its small size makes it perfect for serving on a platter alongside other traditional Brazilian delights such as Brigadeiros or Cajuzinhos.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy the rich blend of dulce de leche and cinnamon at any time of your choosing!