Cajuzinho

Name: Cajuzinho
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 200 g peanuts — ground; 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 1 tbsp cocoa powder; as needed granulated sugar — to roll; whole peanuts — to garnish

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegetarian

Cajuzinho is a staple at Brazilian birthday parties, capturing the festive spirit in each bite. It’s a treat that brings together the simplicity of home cooking with the joy of celebration, where salt is judged by hand and fat is used generously. The recipe reflects the authenticity of a family cook's approach, passed down through generations and cherished on tables set for sharing.

The taste of Cajuzinho is a delightful blend of rich peanuts and creamy condensed milk, with a hint of cocoa adding depth. Rolled in granulated sugar, each morsel offers a satisfying sweetness and a slight crunch, while a whole peanut on top adds a touch of elegance. Perfectly balanced, these little treats embody the essence of Brazilian joy in every bite.

Ingredients

200 gpeanuts — ground
1 cansweetened condensed milk
1 tbspcocoa powder
as neededgranulated sugar — to roll
whole peanuts — to garnish

Method

Begin by preparing your peanuts. Take 200 g of peanuts and roast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting and prevent burning. You'll know they're ready when they become fragrant and their skins start to crackle and peel away. Let them cool slightly, then rub them between your hands to remove the skins. Discard the skins and finely grind the peanuts using a food processor or a mortar and pestle.
In a medium saucepan, combine the ground peanuts, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook slowly, paying attention to the consistency. The mixture is ready when it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, forming a cohesive mass.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool until it is comfortable to handle. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the mixture to firm up slightly, making it easier to shape. Once cooled, take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form small, elongated shapes resembling cashew nuts.
Pour some granulated sugar onto a plate. Roll each shaped piece in the sugar until fully coated. This not only adds sweetness but also gives the Cajuzinho its characteristic texture and appearance.
For a final touch, press a whole peanut into the top of each Cajuzinho. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.
Arrange the Cajuzinhos on a serving platter. They are best served at room temperature, allowing their flavors to meld and the texture to remain soft yet firm. Enjoy these treats as part of your celebration, sharing them with friends and family around the table.