It's no secret that I'm a Latina from Brazil, where I spent the first half of my life. I grew up in a culture that views feeding others as a way of life. If you're ever in Brazil and someone invites you for an "afternoon tea," I say cancel any plans you might have and make it! It will definitely be a deliciously indulgent experience. An "afternoon tea" in Brazil can range from a humble snack with cookies, freshly baked cake, and tea, to a multi-course affair of assorted cakes, pastries, fruit juices, and of course, tea! We just can't help ourselves.

It was this "Brazilian afternoon tea" concept that inspired me to propose that during Latinx Heritage Month, we bring our favorite Latin-inspired treats to the office, perhaps along with a fresh bunch of yerba buena (mint!) to make fresh tea at work. Sound extra? It isn't! It's just extra good :)

The recipes below are SUPER easy to make (with minimal equipment), incredibly affordable, and will bring your team together in the kitchen area like nothing else could. And we know, a team that eats together sticks together!

Here are a few of my favorite dishes:

1. MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIES: These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
2. COCONUT MACAROONS: A sweet and chewy treat that's sure to please coconut lovers.
3. MINT TISANE: A refreshing herbal infusion made with fresh mint leaves.
4. BRIGADEIROS: These traditional Brazilian chocolate truffles are irresistibly rich and creamy.
5. ALFAJORES: Delicate shortbread cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche – a true South American delight.

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And below are the recipes for the three first treats in that list!

Cheers,

Vanessa

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1. MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIES

SERVING SIZE: 10-12 cookies, multiple as many times as desired

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup softened butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup sunflower seed flour

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla together.
2. Mix in the salt and the flour.
3. Mix in the sunflower seed flour.
4. Form cookie dough into balls roughly an inch wide.
5. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes.
6. (optional) roll in powdered sugar when they come out of the oven and allow to cool.
7. Enjoy!

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2. COCONUT MACAROONS

SERVING SIZE: 12 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

• Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut - gently packed
• ¼ cup sweetened ​condensed milk
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt

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INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat. Set the oven to 350 F.
2. Prepare pan. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil.
   Optional: Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Make dough.
   Beat the egg white to soft peaks, reserve. Combine  the coconut, sugar, vanilla, salt, and then the egg whites last. Mix together well. Add condensed milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it forms a soft ball.
   At this point you can decide to mix in some sprinkles, flower petals, and/or chopped nuts.
4. Form cookies. Using a greased tablespoon or cookie scooper, scoop and drop mounds of the coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Remember to press the mixture well to be pretty compact. Roll each mound into a ball with your hands and place them back on the sheet. They should look like marbles. Space the cookies about 1 ½” apart from each other.
5. Bake. Place cookies in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.
6. Cool. Immediately place the cookies on a rack to cool for at least 10 minutes. Enjoy!
   
   

3. MINT TISANE

SERVING SIZE: 6 cups

INGREDIENTS

• 1  bunch mint
• ¼ cup cranberries
• ½ lemon
• 2 TBSP sugar
• 6 cups hot water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl  or  cup and muddle together.
2. Pour over hot water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes.
3. Enjoy!

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