Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable (53 page)

Recipe:

1.
Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with foil and butter it well.

2.
In a food processor or blender, grind blanched almonds to a fine powder. Add milk and mix into a fine paste.

3.
In a saucepan, combine the paste, condensed milk, and almond extract over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 4 minutes.

4.
Add the melted butter a few tablespoons at a time and stir to combine.

5.
Stir in the almond extract. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring until it is very thick and begins to come together in a ball.

6.
Remove from heat. Put mixture into the baking pan and smooth out the surface. Garnish with slivered almonds or silver foil if desired.

7.
Let cool and set, about an hour, before cutting into pieces.

Yield:

About 25 pieces

Storage:

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

General Description:

These charmingly named “little coconut kisses” are coconut candies given out at Brazilian parties as little signs of affection
. Made from condensed milk and coconut, two classic ingredients in Brazilian cuisine, these bite- size confections are traditionally decorated with a single clove in the center. Their soft chewiness and rich coconut flavor make beijinhos a Brazilian favorite.

History:

Portuguese colonists introduced sugar to Brazil, along with many recipes for candies and cakes. The giving of elaborately presented candies became a Brazilian tradition. Most of these candies have endearing names, such as
kisses
or
caresses
.
Beijinhos
is Portuguese for “little kisses”;
besitos de coco
are cookie kisses made from coconut and brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions:

Coconut kisses can be coated in confectioners’ sugar or more coconut. Nuts or chocolate kisses can be placed in the center instead of cloves.

Candy-Making Notes:

The condensed milk and butter mixture has reached the proper thickness in step 2 when you are briefly able to see the bottom of the pan as you stir.

Recipe:

1.
Grease a baking pan or line with a silicone baking mat and set aside.

2.
Combine condensed milk and butter in a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.