Final answer:
The brigadeiro is a source of national pride for Brazil, reflecting its cultural love for sweets and festivities. Brazil became a constitutional empire in 1822 after independence from Portugal, maintaining more continuity with its colonial legacy than other Latin American countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The brigadeiro is a source of pride for Brazil. This sweet delicacy, which is similar to a chocolate truffle and traditionally made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, rolled into balls and covered in chocolate sprinkles, is a staple at Brazilian festivities especially birthdays. The brigadeiro has become an integral part of Brazilian culture and cuisine, reflecting the country's passion for sweets and celebrations. While chocolate was introduced to Europe from Meso-America by the Spanish in the 1600s and has become a national obsession in countries like Belgium, the brigadeiro is a Brazilian innovation that uses these chocolate ingredients to create a unique and beloved treat.
Brazil's path to independence also shows more continuity with its colonial legacy than that of any other Latin American country. King Pedro of Portugal declared Brazil a constitutional empire under his rule in 1822, after Brazil was free of Portuguese rule, making it different from other Latin American countries that became republics after their independence.