Grape surprise (surpresa de uva or uvinha) is a tart grape covered with sweet white brigadeiro and then shaped into balls. Its sweet and sour flavor is amazing!
I went to the movies a few days ago. I wanted to see the screen adaptation of "What to Expect When You're Expecting," my favorite book to read when I myself was expecting. But most of all, I wanted to see Rodrigo Santoro, a handsome and talented Brazilian actor who plays the role of the husband to J. Lo's character in the movie. The whole experience was so delightful for both the eyes and the soul. I laughed so much that my jaws got sore.
When you're pregnant, you learn to expect certain misfortunes: bladder leaks, back pain, swelling, mood swings, and of course, cravings, to name just a few.
Ah, cravings...
I confess that I was lucky enough not to have had very many-- but the few that I did have, oh my goodness, did I have them bad. In my case, cravings were not really for weird things (like pineapple with butter) 🙂 but mostly for sweets... and Grape Surprise was at the top of the list!!! It is a marvelous combination of flavors (sweet and tangy), as well as of textures (soft, slightly chewy outer coating and crunchy grape center).
It is truly a special treat for various occasions such as baby showers, weddings, graduation parties, to give as a gift, Christmas, and for children's birthday parties.... Whether you are expecting a baby or celebrating your child's birthday, make Grape Surprise... Then you will understand the reason behind this craving and also the reason for your child's smile...
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grape Surprise (Surpresa de Uva)
Ingredients
- 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter plus extra to grease plate and hands softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 drops green food coloring
- 20 small green grapes washed, dried off, and at room temperature**
- Granulated sugar enough to roll candies in it
- ** It is very important that the grapes be intact - that is, no juice leaking out; otherwise, the candy dough will look messy once wrapped around the grapes.
Instructions
- Mix the condensed milk and butter together.
- Stove: Cook the mixture in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the bottom of the pan starts to show when you scrape it with your wood spoon. The candy mixture should be thick enough to show you the bottom of the pan for a couple of seconds before the mixture levels out again.
- Microwave: Pour mixture into a deep microwaveable bowl. If 900 watts, let cook on full power for about 6 minutes — removing and stirring at least every 2 minutes, or until thick enough to be rolled (remember that when it cools down, mixture will be thicker). While it is cooking, do not leave the microwave unattended because mixture will rise and possibly bubble over, making a mess. Every time it rises, pause until mixture settles back down. If 1100 watts, cook at 80 % power. Double batches take more time to cook.
- When it is ready, mix in the vanilla extract and the food coloring, and then spread the mixture onto a greased plate. Let cool to room temperature before starting to roll the candy mixture around each grape, molding into balls with greased hands. Then, dredge each candy gently in the granulated sugar until totally covered, and place into paper bonbon cups.
- The candies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The mixture can be also stored, covered well, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, brought to room temperature, and rolled into balls with the grapes.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
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Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
This is really cute! I've never seen green grapes dessert like this! My kids will be really excited for this kind of lollipop dessert!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Nami! This is my husband favorite Brazilian candy and one of mine too. The grape makes it less sweet. All was gone on the same day... 🙂
TasteofBeirut says
I have made another Brazilian candy, chocolate cooked with condensed milk and loved it!! This one is another one that I will attempt, especially now that grapes are beginning to grow on the vines; one of my great uncles emigrated to Brazil and we still have relatives there but I have never been and heard such wonderful things about your pais~
Denise Browning says
Joumana:
I am so glad that you liked the chocolate fudge candy (Brigadeiro) and will try to make Grape Surprise. This is my husband favorite candy and one of mine too. In Brazil, there are hundreds of different candies. Several of them are made with fruits. Thanks a lot for visiting me here. I intend to post several recipes made with corn this month since we celebrate the June Festivals in Brazil. If you like corn, please stop by again. Have a blessed week!
Greer Blair says
I have been trying to find this recipe since 1994! When I lived in the northeast Brazil (1992-1994), I would have these all the time at parties. But, once I came back to the States, I couldn't find the recipe anywhere. Anytime I would meet a Brazilian, I would ask if they knew about this treat, and they would all look at me like I was crazy! I can't tell you how happy I am to find this recipe!!! Thank you so much for publishing it!
Denise Browning says
Greer.
You amde my day! I am so happy to hear you found what you needed it here. Enjoy! If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.