Valentine’s Day Brazilian Beijinhos – ‘Little Kisses’

Not really a cake, not quite a sweet, a beijinho is a typical treat from Brazil that can be found wherever there’s a celebration, although they’re particularly appropriate on Valentine’s Day or ‘Dia dos Namorados’ (Day of Lovers) as it’s known in Brazil.

Instructions

1. Mix the condensed milk, coconut and margarine in a saucepan over a medium heat, stirring well to prevent it sticking, until the mixture takes on a thick consistency.
2. Let the mixture cool, then form it into small balls.
3. Pour out enough sugar to lightly cover a chopping board, then roll each of the balls through the sugar to coat them. (You might prefer to coat the balls in more desiccated coconut instead of sugar, which is a popular alternative.)
4. Put each of the beijinhos in a small cake case if desired, and serve or save for later.