Cajuzinho (Cashew Balls)

Cajuzinho (Cashew Balls)


“Cajuzinho”, is the diminutive of “caju” (cashew), even though it is made of peanuts. It is one of the famous “docinhos de Leite Moça” that made their first appearance in the middle of the 20Th Century. They soon became popular and they are essential for children’s birthday parties and adored by adults.
The others classics “docinhos de Leite Moça” are “brigadeiro” (chocolate flavour), “beijinho”(coconut flavour), “olho de sogra” (pitted prune and coconut) and “camafeu de nozes” (walnut flavour).


Ingredients
• 400 g sweetened condensed milk
• 5 heaped tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 20 g dry grated coconut
• sugar and peanuts to garnish

Preparation method
Combine all the ingredients (except the ones to garnish) in a heavy bottomed saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and loosens from the pan. It takes about 10 minutes for a single dose recipe.
Pour the hot mixture on a buttered plate and let it cool.
Grease your hands with butter, take a small teaspoon of the mixture, and shape it in your hands to form rounded cones (the shape of cashews).
Roll the “cajuzinhos” in the sugar to coat them and insert ½ unsalted peanuts halfway in the center of the largest side.
Place the “cajuzinhos” in mini cupcake papers cases.
Notes:
• They taste even better after a few days and may be stored at room temperature for more than a week.
• They may be frozen.

Yield: 40 “cajuzinhos”.


Posted on: 11 November 2011