Strawberry Sobremesa (Sis Odete)

Strawberry Sobremesa: A Taste of Brazil

As a busy professional, I'm always on the lookout for simple yet elegant desserts that don't require hours in the kitchen. This Strawberry Sobremesa, a recipe passed down from Sis. Odete in Guarapuava, Brazil, has become a favorite. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tart, creamy and refreshing – a delightful end to any meal, or a satisfying treat on its own. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no elaborate baking or complicated techniques involved. It's all about layering – a foundation of fresh, juicy strawberries, a creamy layer of sweetened condensed milk and creme de leite, and a rich, decadent chocolate topping. The subtle sweetness of the condensed milk perfectly complements the tartness of the strawberries, while the melted chocolate adds a luxurious touch. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

What I especially appreciate about this dessert is its versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking by using more or less sugar on the topping strawberries. If you're feeling creative, you can also experiment with different types of berries, although strawberries are truly classic for this particular dessert. The result is always delicious, whether you’re serving it to a small gathering of friends or simply indulging in a personal treat after a long day. The slight tang from the berries balances everything so well.

The preparation itself is a quick and enjoyable process. Washing and preparing the strawberries is almost meditative. The act of carefully arranging them in the pan is satisfying in itself. Then, comes the simple melting of chocolate, mixing the condensed milk, and the final, delightful moment of assembling the layers. It’s a recipe that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of creating something delicious, without being overly demanding on your time. I find the whole process very therapeutic, quite different from the pressure of spreadsheets and deadlines at work. It reminds me of time spent with my family in Brazil, enjoying the simplicity of life.

The final product is a stunning dessert. The vibrant red of the strawberries peeks through the creamy white layer, which itself is beautifully covered by the dark, rich chocolate. The texture is equally delightful: the soft, creamy layers combined with the juicy, slightly tart strawberries create a perfect balance. This dessert never fails to impress my guests, and it's always a conversation starter, often leading to discussions about my family travels and Brazilian traditions.

The taste? Oh, the taste. It’s rich and creamy but light enough to not feel heavy. The sweet condensed milk with the tart strawberries and the bitter chocolate makes a stunning balance. It's the kind of dessert you can savor slowly, enjoying every bite, thinking about how simple it was to prepare. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most elegant and delicious desserts come from the simplest of recipes. Sis. Odete’s Strawberry Sobremesa isn't just a dessert; it's an experience, a taste of Brazil, and a testament to the magic of simple, delicious ingredients.

So, if you’re looking for a dessert that's easy to make, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor, look no further. Give Sis. Odete's Strawberry Sobremesa a try. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a treasured addition to your dessert repertoire. It certainly has become one of mine.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pints of small berries
• 2 boxes creme de leite
• 1 small teaspoon butter
• 200 grm. milk chocolate bar
• 1 can leite condensada (I used the Nestle brand)

Step-by-step

• Bring to a boil, in a double-boiler so it doesn't burn, the can of leite condensada & boil 3-4 mins. til thick.
• Set aside to cool.
• Wash berries. CUT ONLY THE GREEN TOPS OFF. Do Not cut up the berries; leave whole because the berries will extract liquid.
• Mix 1/2 of a box of creme de leite with the cooled condensada.
• Put 1 ? boxes of creme de leite with 1/2 - 3/4 of a 200 gr. milk chocolate bar in a microwaveable mixing bowl & melt in the microwave for 1 min. til melted.
• Cover the bottom of an 8 x 8 pan or a 9" pie plate with about 2 pints of strawberries. Cover that with the condensada & then Cover with the melted chocolate. Put in fridge.
• Clean another pint of berries & cover with sugar to get liquid from the berries & use as a topping when dessert is served.