Palha Italiana – Literally, Italian Straw

1. 1

   Line a medium pan (9-by-13-inch) with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. 2

   Into a medium-sized saucepan add the sweetened condensed milk and the walnuts. Cook it on medium heat, always stirring until the mixture comes together and is easily released from the bottom of the pan. It takes from 20-25 minutes on medium heat. When done, remove from heat and set aside.

3. 3

   Into a large bowl, add the coarsely chopped crackers and the walnut cream. Mix to combine. Grab the prepared pan and drop the mixture into it. Using a large spoon, spread out the creamy mixture. Let it cool.

4. 4

   After it's cooled, that's time to play a little and go crazy. You may have Palha Italiana with no chocolate sauce. But, if you want to make it even more delicious, why don't try it with some chocolate on top? Do you agree with me? I hope so!

5. 5

   In the top of a double boiler, melt unsweetened chocolate, stirring as you go. Then once melted, remove it from the heat and add the heavy cream. Don't forget: keep on stirring (gently, ladies and gentlemen). Stir until all is combined.

6. 6

   Line a piece of parchment paper on a work surface. Invert the pan and put the whole rectangle of Palha Italiana onto the parchment paper. Cut into small squares.

7. 7

   Take a deep bowl, and put the melted chocolate into it. I used an ordinary fork and an ordinary spoon for dipping the squares into the chocolate. First: take a square, then dip that into the chocolate sauce bowl. After, with a spoon, slide it onto the parchment paper.

8. 8

   Then, wait until the sauce is dried. It takes an hour for that.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.