Bombocado (Brazilian Sweet)

The bombocado is a Brazilian sweet that inherits its roots from Portuguese cuisine, adapted to the available raw materials in America. The name is easy to translate into English: Good bite.

In addition to being a "good bite," it is straightforward to make.

INGREDIENTS (4/5 servings)

• 400 grams (14 oz) of sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 ml) of water
• 150 grams (5.3 oz) of shredded coconut
• 60 grams (2.1 oz) of unsalted butter
• 40 grams (1.4 oz) of all-purpose flour
• 40 grams (1.4 oz) of grated cheese (it's better to use a mild-flavored cheese like mozzarella)

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water to a boil, and dissolve the sugar in it while stirring continuously.

Once the sugar is completely dissolved, remove it from the heat.

Immediately add the shredded coconut and cheese. Return the saucepan to the heat and stir until the mixture thickens.

Reduce the heat to a minimum. Add the butter and slowly sifted flour to prevent lumps. Stir until you get a homogeneous mass.

Remove it from the heat and let it cool. When it's cool—or at least lukewarm—add the eggs one by one, not introducing the next one until the previous one has integrated into the mixture.

Now it's time to bake. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit), and here you have two options: pour the batter into individual molds or into a family-sized container that you will later cut to serve the portions.

Bake in the oven, and after about 30 minutes, it will be ready. Check occasionally to ensure it's set by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out dry, it's done, whether or not the indicated time has elapsed.

Serve it alone or accompanied by a bit of whipped cream. 

It's truly delicious, living up to its name.