A core part of Toronto’s identity is the multicultural neighbourhoods that make up the city. Food is a central part of culture, and Mary’s Brigadeiro brings the best of Brazil’s sweets to our city.
A brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian chocolate confectionery made from condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder, cooked into a dense, fudgy mixture.
Vinny, one of the store’s bakers, makes brigadeiros in the Danforth location on a daily basis. Having grown up in Brazil, he was thrilled to share the history and meaning of this delicious treat to the Brazilian people. “We eat them to celebrate when it’s a special occasion like a birthday or when we’re sad to make us happy.”
Many Brazilians, including Vinny, have been making brigadeiros since they were children.
Mary, who founded and owns Mary’s Brigadeiro, also grew up in Brazil and has brought this dessert to the Danforth community. While this chocolate shop stays true to its Brazilian roots, it also has adapted to Canadian tastes and preferences. They make seasonal offerings, such as pumpkin, which are highly desired by their loyal customers, and quite frankly, super yummy due to its high pumpkin content. Another difference is that dark chocolate is often used in their recipes, whereas in Brazil, milk chocolate is the main ingredient due to cost.
The dough is made in Etobicoke and brought into the store, where it’s rolled and different flavours of brigadeiros are made. A batch takes around 2 hours from start to finish. Brigadeiros will crystallize over time when they’re left out. Some Brazilians prefer this to the gooey, soft center that it’s supposed to have, but it’s not the intended texture of the dessert. It’s recommended to keep brigadeiros in the fridge for up to 10 days to avoid the crystallization. The store suggests not freezing them, as they often make large batches and immediately freeze them to keep them fresh at the time they’re sold, so they should not be refrozen.
In addition to brigadeiros, the store also sells a delightful variety of freshly baked cookies and cookie dough.
Brigadeiro or cookie boxes can be wrapped in the Furoshiki gift wrapping that they sell, and this fabric can double as a scarf. Furoshiki wrapping is a Japanese practice of wrapping gifts in reusable fabric, lessening the environmental impact by eliminating single-use wrapping and plastic alternatives. These “scarves” are worn by employees while making brigadeiros in place of a hair net, and would make a beautiful fashion statement for anyone who wants to add bold colours and patterns to their outfit.
Mary’s Brigadeiro is located at 1912 Danforth Ave across from East Lynn Park and they also have a location downtown at 111 Richmond St W.
Same day delivery can be arranged within the GTA Tuesdays to Saturdays. Contact the store for details.