Bala Baiana ( Bahian bon bons ) – a Brazilian sweet treat made from coconut and condensed milk covered with a hard caramel shell.

This treat is covered by caramel and is known as Bala de vidro (glass bon bons). There are a variety of candies with different flavours and ingredients; just use your creativity.

Ingredients:

• – 3/4 can sweetened condensed milk + 1/4 cup milk

• – 1 tablespoon unsalted butter at room temperature

• – 1\2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• – 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

• – 1 cup almond flour

For the caramel cover:

• – 1 cup of water + 2 cups of sugar and

• –1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed milk, butter, vanilla, coconut, and almond flour.

• 2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reduces and thickens, then let it cool.

• 2.  Lightly grease your hands, roll into balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• 3. Refrigerate the coconut balls for at least 30 minutes.

• 4. Meanwhile, mix sugar, water, and vinegar until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches a temperature of 240°F on a candy thermometer. The caramel should be a light golden honey colour. 

• 5.  quickly dip the coconut balls into the syrup using a toothpick or a fork.

• 6. Place the coated coconut balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and let them cool completely.

• 7. After the coconut balls have cooled down completely, they are ready to be served.