With Rio Carnival 2014 well and truly underway, many of us will be daydreaming about sunnier climes.
But just because you're sat at a desk doesn't mean there can't be cause for celebration. Let these Brazilian recipes transport you to sun, sea and sand - at least in spirit.
Brazilian Dishes And Drinks
Appetizer: Empadinhas de Palmito(01 of04)
These "little empanadas" tend to be rounder than their Colombian or Argentine counterparts. The filling is usually a Brazilian ingredient called hearts of palm, but shrimp and codfish are also frequently used. These baked pastries can take up to half an hour to make and may require some extra effort in finding the exotic ingredients, up to the challenge? Check out the full recipe. (credit:beijinhodoce.com.br)
Side Dish: Pão de Queijo(02 of04)
Pão de Queijo is simply "Cheese Bread" (yea we think it sounds tastier in Portuguese too), this dish is a staple in Brazil and is often served as a snack. Cheesy, warm, and filling--the only problem is where do we find tapioca starch?Ingredients:3 cups tapioca starch3 eggs1 cup milk3/4 cup vegetable oil1 teaspoon salt3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shreddedGrated Parmesan cheese, for sprinklingCheck out the full recipe. (credit:sasasunakku.com)
Dessert: Brigadeiro(03 of04)
A little chocolate to end a feast? After making Feijoada and these other typical Brazilian dishes you're probably exhausted. But not to worry this traditional candy is easy to make!Ingredient:1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk1 tablespoon butter3 tablespoons cocoachocolate sprinklesPreparation can be done in four short steps. Check out the full recipe. (credit:chopchilli.wordpress.com)
Drink: Caipirinhas(04 of04)
Caipirinhas, a liquor made from sugarcane, gives these drinks their distinctive flavor. In Brazil it is traditional to make caipirinhas one or two at a time, as we do here. For ease of entertaining, however, you can simply combine all the ingredients in a pitcher.Ingredients:4 limes1/2 cup sugarIce cubes1 1/2 cups cachaça (from a 500-ml bottle)Directions:Quarter 1 lime lengthwise, then cut each quarter in half crosswise and divide pieces between 2 (6-ounce) glasses.Add 1 tablespoon sugar to each glass, then muddle lime pieces by pounding and pressing with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved. Fill each glass with ice and add 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) cacha§a to each, stirring well. Make 6 more cocktails in same manner.Source: HuffPost Taste (credit:ShutterStock)