Hoarding Outside The Nearly Complete Maracana
“We’ve arranged a very special tour for you,” the guide announced. “the Maracanã Stadium.” I groaned inwardly. It was three weeks before the start of the World Cup in Rio. A football related ‘something’ was inevitable, but a whole morning! We piled onto sleek coaches and set off across Rio. It was our first day and so first glimpse of the diverse city. Favalas like coloured matchboxes tossed in a pile, huge engineering structures with rather more than three weeks until completion. Stuccoed colonial houses, dripping with architectural detail and shiny shopping centres filled with goods many of the population couldn’t afford.
In The Changing Room Of The Maracana Stadium
We gathered in the entrance lobby and were split into smaller groups. It soon became clear that our visit was more than just a look at turf. A quick glance at Pelle’s bronze preserved foot prints and we were off to the changing rooms. The men in the group were as excited and pushy as shoppers at the first day of Harrod’s sale. Each desperate to get a selfie with their Hero’s shirt. Whilst I wandered around asking “Who does he play for?” (other than Brazil, obviously). I have to admit I was getting into the spirit and had to take a picture of the communal bath. Who knew there was an astro turf practice room, no windows of course and that the press area could be so small?
Maracana Stadium – Lone groundsman Mowing Stripes
Then, with stringent warnings about keeping off the turf, we were led through an archway high above the pitch. Stretched steeply below us and in every direction, like blue and yellow post-its were the rows of seats. One lone groundsman carefully mowing stripes into the pitch far below. There was a moment of awe inspired hush, then we slowly made our way down the steps to the edge of the grass and more scrabbling for seats in the ‘dugout’ and selfies. A group photo and it was all over. Momentarily I lost Mr Glam before spotting him eyeing up a strange selection of cakes. As none of them were familiar to us, he randomly picked a small white ball covered in coconut in a tiny cup cake paper. Biting into the sweet, almost custard like sphere he declared it the highlight of the morning so far and spent the rest of the trip trying to find another.
Condensed Milk Coconut Beijinhos
- 1 can 379g condensed milk
- 30 g unsalted butter
- 1 pinch sea salt flakes
- 50 g dessicated coconut
- Put the condensed milk and butter into a sauce pan over a moderate heat, stir constantly until the mixture starts to come away from the sides
- Pour into a shallow dish lined with parchment paper and allow to cool slightly
- Pour the desiccated coconut into a flat dish. Oil your hands, take a teaspoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Roll in the coconut and place on parchment paper or into a mini cupcake paper
- For a variation you can roll the balls in cocoa or chocolate
If you enjoyed this post, share it using the Share Buttons Subscribe to Glamorous Glutton free here
Oh, these little white balls do look delicious, GG – I love coconut.
They are very sweet but very cream tasting. GG
How delightful…
Thank you Lizzy. GG
I don’t think I would have been thrilled hearing I was going on a tour of a stadium either but it seems it was a lot better than expected. I love your coconut balls – anything with condensed milk is a winner for me! xx
I know it a cliche but it is a man thing. Not mr Glam – he’s a rugby fan and was as clueless as me! GG
Gorgeous decadent treats! And I see you are a featured blog in Morrison’s magazine online. Congratulations!! I was in the February one and I swear I grabbed at least a dozen of them at the shop 🙂 Enjoy the accolade.
Thank you Kellie, I was delighted with the Morrison’s plug. GG
I’m as clueless as you – all I can tell is that David Luiz and Oscar play for Chelsea 🙂 But beijinhos is a whole other story ❤️ Did you know the name means ‘little kisses’?
Oh you’re ahead of me. I didn’t even know any of them played in Europe! Little Kisses is a perfect name, I might have to add that to the title. Thank you. GG
These sound very interesting, I bet these are delicious!
They are like little balls of custard, sweet, pliable and delicious. GG
You made me laugh with your husband’s favorite moment of the day. 🙂 My Bear would’ve been the same way. 🙂
He really knows very little about soccer and was much happier in the cafe. GG
Delicious looking balls…the stadium looks cool, Brazil and Soccer could be synonyms…too bad Brazil lost out big time in the WC….heard Neymar has made full recovery, which is a good thing.
You obviously know way more than me about football. It was a shame Brazil didn’t win. GG
ha ha I felt the same when, at a conference, our treat was to be taken to the Rugby stadium in Cardiff and we didn’t get any delicious little cakes as compensation. They look great, sort of like a little bounty without the chocolate.
I was taken to a match at that stadium. I was stunned, it was so huge and the atmosphere amazing. GG
What an experience you had, love the little coconut balls too, they look lovely.
The balls are fab. I’m so glad we discovered them. GG
I love recipes with just simple ingredients. These coconut balls look awesome, GG.
I know, so little to do and such a great result. GG
Well done you for being so positive about a morning of footie – not sure I could have done it with such good grace. Those coconut balls sound most unwholesome, but also rather delicious – sigh!
Utterly unwholesome but soo delicious. GG
Great post as always Amanda and so brave of you to succumb to a morning of footie too! LOVE those little sweeties as well, and also the story behind them! Karen
I’m not sure I succumbed, felt more press ganged. Still the end result was fun. GG
Oh if I could, I would pop 10 of those in my mouth! 🙂
Now that’s just showing off!! GG
My B=best friend would absolutely adore touring the stadium in Brazil. That would be a dream come true for him. Delicious easy recipe too.
I know, the same for some of my friends. I hate to seem ungrateful but I did enjoy it in the end. GG
I love these little sweet morsels! It has two of my favourite things: condensed milk and coconut! 😀
A favourite with Mr Glam too. GG