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Brazilian Snacks Make Entertaining Easy

Looking for an easy, last-minute appetizer or fun finger-food for the holidays?

Look no further than Los Gatos-based Mani Pao de Queijo (pown-deh-kay-zho) snack breads.

These airy little rolls, no bigger than a ping-pong ball, come frozen and ready to be baked in a hot oven for 25 minutes

They emerge crisp and golden on the outside, with a texture akin to a sturdier version of a chou pastry for cream puffs or gougeres.

They’re fairly addicting to eat warm, especially with their subtle cheesy flavor, thanks to cotija and parmesan.

They’re made from yuca root flour, making them gluten-free, too.

There’s also a jalapeno version for a little more kick.

The snacks, named for a beautiful Amazon tribal princess, are a popular treat in Brazil, where company co-founder Monika Batista’s family hails from.

Mani come 20 to a package that sells for $7.50. They’re available at Whole Foods, Andronico’s, Lundari’s, Robert’s Market, Draeger’s, Bianchini’s Market in Portola Valley, Sousa’s Wine & Liquor in Mountain View, and Mercado Brasil in San Francisco.

Mani also offers free delivery if you order a minimum of two packages and live in any of these cities: Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Portola Valley, Palo Alto and Menlo Park.