Game-Day Meal: Brazilian Treat

MONTREAL, QC. -- Game-day meal. For athletes, the formula for the fuel that propels them to peak performance is often one-third nutritional science and two-thirds superstition or lucky-charm. Fortunately for fans, it's much more rudimentary -- something simple, tasty and manageable without disturbing one's gaze from the action.

At Habs Tweetup, we're all about the social side of the game. That can mean connecting you with other fans who are getting together at one of our All Habs approved venues, or providing tips to improve your viewing experience at home. Our series called Game-day Meal will feature meals and snacks that are easily prepared when you're expecting a few friends for the game or watching alone.

Today's suggestion is truly international originating in Brazil with a touch of old Italy. It comes from one of our South American correspondents. Keep in mind that our sister site AllHabs.net has original content articles written in Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, French and English. 

São Paulo, BR. -- This treat is called Palha Italiana. Despite the name, roughly translating to Italian Straw, the origin of the candy is unknown -- many, however, believe it was created right here in Brazil. It is told that the idea came from the preparation of the chocolate salami, a typical Italian recipe, that is prepared with the mass of Palha Italiana.

It's one of those simple desserts, but everyone loves to eat, and during a game, can't stop eating! The recipe mixes plain biscuits, chocolate, cream and condensed milk. Just looking at the ingredients, we can see that the sweet is a delight, can't we?

Palha Italiana

Ingredients

200ml sweetened condensed milk
100ml heavy cream
30g dark chocolate
50g plain biscuits

Preparation

1. In a saucepan, whisk condensed milk, cream and chocolate. Heat over low heat, always stirring, until is possible to see the bottom of the pan, the mixture won't be sticking to the pan. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes
2. Coarsely chop the biscuits and fold in the warm chocolate mixture. Pour in a greased 15cm square pan. Level with a spoon and let cool completely in room temperature.
3. After the fudge is cooled, cut into squares.


Tip: You can add chopped pecans, hazelnut or Brazil nuts.

(photo credit: Jon Keen)