Meet my friend Odara from Brazil. She’s rocking her straw hat, typically worn during Festa Junina with desserts placed in the brim of the hat.
OdaraFor Brazilians, June and July means decorations, costumes, music, dancing, great food and drink because these are the months of the popular festival, Festas Junina. Festa Junina is the second most popular event in Brazil after the world-renowned Brazilian Rio Carnival. Festa Junina festival is a Catholic tradition but also celebrates the harvest season that starts from June until the end of July with some cities continuing their festivities until late August.
A rural theme, resembling the countryside style and farmers is usually on display with many people wearing costumes and enjoying festive foods. Typical foods you’ll see are popcorn, corn, corn cake, canjica, cocada, corn cake, paçoca, pé de moleque and much more!
Odara takes us to Brazil with some traditional festive treats. She shows us how to make Cocada and pé-de-moleque. They are very easy desserts to make at home and make a nice sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family.
Odara is a 26-year-old Chemical Engineer. She’s from the south of Brazil but is currently living in Bahia, working in a Cocoa Production Plant. Odara is a food and travel lover, but not a specialist at cooking, this is why “I picked an easy and fast recipe”. She has travelled to 20 different countries and always repeats: “Brazilian food is the best”, beyond savoury and is quite healthy. If you are planning to visit Brazil, just check a good trip advisor for good review, be aware of safety constraints and enjoy! Brazil is Amazing and has views for any type of traveller. Here in Bahia, I recommend beaches in Itacaré and Barra Grande and also, for those who are trail seekers, Chapada Diamantina.
Cocada – Is made with shredded coconut and sugar. This popular dessert originally came to the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. In Nigeria, it’s known as coconut candy.
Image source: CanvaPé de moleque – is a traditional Brazilian candy made from peanut and caramel candy. (crispy, chewy and loaded with peanuts).
Image source: CanvaFor both desserts, once the mixture has thickened enough and feels heavy on the spoon, remove from heat and place spoonfuls on a clean surface or a piece of greaseproof paper. Let the desserts cool for about 30 minutes to allow to harden.
How to store your treats?
Store pé de moleque and cocada in an airtight container, at room temperature. It will keep well for up to two weeks!
Makes 6 Servings | Prep Time: 5 minutes|Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cocada Ingredients:
- 200g of coconut flakes
- 3 Tbsp of white vinegar
- 1/2 (198.5g) tin of Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cups of sugar
- 250 ml of water
Makes 6 Servings | Prep Time: 5 minutes|Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Pé-De-Moleque Ingredients:
- 1 cup of peanut (with or without shell)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 (198.5g) tin of Sweetened condensed milk
How to make Cocada and Pé-De-Moleque:
You can watch Odara make Cocada and Pé-De-Moleque in the video below. Thanks, Odara for bringing a taste of Brazil to our homes. If you do try Odara’s recipes, share your pictures by tagging myself and @odaradacas, using the hashtag #FoodTravelSeries
Check out some interesting facts about Festa Junina:
Thanks for tuning in, see you in the next episode! 🌍🍽
