Let Brazil come to you

May 6, 2020
No Comments
Brazil

Although we are unable to travel at the moment, it’s still possible to discover the joys of Latin America – from the comfort of your home!

Each week we are giving you inspiration from a different destination in Latin America, sharing movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest, and this weeks destination is the largest, and undoubtedly the most rhythmic, country in Latin America – Brazil.

From vibrant and pulsating metropolises to wild rainforests, thundering waterfalls and tropical palm-fringed beaches, this is a country with so much to offer. Travel to Brazil with our favourite inspiring read, film, food and music below. 


Watch: Casa Grande (2014)

Brazil’s film industry has produced a number of successful films over the years, and one of our favourite picks is Casa Grande, from 2014. This film by Felipe Barbosa is set in iconic Rio de Janeiro and is a coming-of-age tale about a privileged high-school student who is thrust into a life of poverty. Superb acting throughout, sending a thought-provoking message about class and race.


Read: Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado

Brazilian author Jorge Amado, is the best known of modern Brazilian writers. His stories tell of life in the eastern Brazilian state of Bahia and have won international acclaim. One of our favourites is Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands. The tale of a woman whose husband dies suddenly and continues to provide her with rather erotic nightmares. Amado is a brilliant storyteller, and this is a must for your reading list.


Taste: Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro are little truffle balls made with condensed milk and coated in chocolate sprinkles. They were first made by a confectioner from Rio, and are eaten across the country – especially during the festive season. Brigadeiro are commonly made at home and are also found in local shops and bakeries. Why not try making them for yourself?

Brigadeiro recipe
3 tbsp unsalted butter, plus a little extra
400g tin of condensed milk
4 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
To decorate
50g toasted chopped pistachio
50g flaked almond
50g desiccated coconut

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the butter, condensed milk, a pinch of salt and the cocoa. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to medium-low; cook for 10-15 mins, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and shiny and starts to pull away from the bottom.

Stir in the vanilla extract and mix again. Pour the mixture onto a buttered plate and chill for at least 2 hrs.

Butter your hands and pinch off some of the dough to make 2.5cm balls. Place your toppings into small bowls and roll the balls of one of the decorations. Place in mini paper baking cups.


Listen: Samba

Samba is a Brazilian institution and is recognised around the world as a symbol of Brazil and its Carnival. In addition to its distinct rhythms, Samba brings with it a culture of food, parties, clothes and art, and is celebrated every year on National Samba Day in early December. The Samba dance style is regularly performed on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.


Watch: The Girl from Ipanema BBC documentary

A really insightful BBC documentary with newscaster and presenter Katie Derham, as she travels to Rio to discover the story behind Brazil’s most famous song, the quintessential Bossa Bova – The Girl from Ipanema.


Inspired to visit Brazil one day? Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Travel Specialists on 0208 546 6222.


Share It:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.