Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls)

• servings: 25 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 can (14oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk

1 ⅓ cups (100g) unsweetened grated coconut

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (plus more for greasing plate and hands)

Grated coconut for rolling

Whole cloves for decorating

Directions

In a medium-sized saucepan or small Dutch Oven, combine the sweetened condensed milk, grated coconut and butter. Cook, over medium-low heat, for 10-20 minutes or until the mixture thickens. You will know it's ready when you run a rubber spatula through the middle of the mixture and it leaves a trail, taking a while for it to come back together. If you prefer the use a thermometer, the beijinho is ready at around 190º-200ºF (88º-95ºC).

Transfer the mixture to a plate that has been generously greased with butter, spreading it into a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.

Once the beijinho mixture has cooled, grease your hands with butter and form smooth balls with about 1 tablespoon of mixture, about the size of a cherry. This recipe will yield about 20 to 25 beijinhos.

Place some grated (or shredded) coconut in a plate. Roll the balls through the coconut, then insert a clove in the middle.

Serve the beijinhos as-is or in small paper cups. If your guests are not familiar with them, remind them to remove the cloves before eating!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 beijinho
• Calories: 94 kcal
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.02 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg
• Sodium: 22 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Total Sugars: 9 g
• Protein: 2 g