Torta Palha Italiana (Brazilian Chocolate Wafer Treat)

Palha Italiana, originally, is a cookie made with brigadeiro (truffles) mixed with “biscoito maisena”(biscuit mix), and allowed to dry then cut into squares and covered in powdered sugar. Is very traditional in birthday parties, reunions, actually any occasion. It is delicious and very very appreciated for the Brazilian taste. This is a big version of the cookie and is delicious and easy to make.

9.8 oz  semi-sweet chocolate (the bar, of good quality, not the chips) (280 g)

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

28 oz sweetened condensed milk (2 cans)

13.6 oz heavy cream (400 ml)

10 to 12 oz maisena wafers or graham crackers (300 g)

3 oz walnuts chopped, to garnish

0.8 oz  semi-sweet chocolate shredded to garnish

In a pan add the chocolate and the butter. Place on low heat and mix until melt together.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and now at medium high, and cook for 10 minutes, until the mixture get like a thick cream. Add the heavy cream and mix until boiling again, reducing a little bit until you see is creamy again. That’s it. Turn off the burn and prepare the pan.

In a 8” baking pan with removable bottom, cover the bottom with parchment paper, and place a layer of cookies with a little bit space between them, so the cream can pass through. In the top of the cookies , a layer of the cream, another layer of cookies and cream, and go that way until finish with a layer of cream. Place the pan in the fridge overnight.

The next day, open the pan, carefully, and place the cake in a plate, removing the parchment paper, and it will require a little care.

Take some more crackers and smash with your fingers and put in the top of the cake. The shopped walnuts and shredded chocolate too.

It is done. And delicious.