Brigadeiro Milk Shakes

"I'm eating lots of Brigadeiro Milk Shakes, my new favorite food."

Brigadeiro History
(chocolate fudge candy)

This candy is named after a renowned Brazilian politician of the 1920's, Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes. He was an Air Force brigadier general who first gained notoriety for playing a part in quashing a communist coup in Rio de Janeiro. He later ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1946 and 1950, during a brief breeze of democracy which blew after WWII in Brazil.

The name of the candy is that of his rank, Brigadeiro. Now, why would anyone name candy after an army general? Well, back in 1922, he was tall, dark-haired with blue eyes. And single! This candy was created by some ladies from Rio de Janeiro. And they named the candy after the Brigadeiro.

This was a time of shortage of traditional imports such as nuts and European fruits because of the WWII. But in the same time, chocolate powder was introduced in the country. Therefore, one might say that the creation and success of this candy was a combination of opportunities. The multinational who introduced chocolate powder, had the help of cookers who named it after a famous politician and the need of the time to find replacement to traditional imported sweets.

Today, brigadeiro candy is a must have in any birthday party and kids love them.