There are recipes whose names conceal their workings, and recipes which state the matter plainly. Fifteens belong firmly to the latter tradition.

The established formula calls for fifteen digestive biscuits, fifteen marshmallows and fifteen glacé cherries, brought into fellowship by condensed milk and rolled in coconut. No oven is required. This has occasionally led to questions about whether a Fifteen is truly a traybake. The Society’s present position is that prolonged association with traybake tables constitutes sufficient standing.

What follows is the first IETS provisional recipe. It has been assembled from established Northern Irish practice, but it does not yet bear the IETS Approved stamp. That distinction must await practical testing.

Traditional Fifteens

Makes: 15
Preparation: approximately 25 minutes
Chilling: at least 4 hours, preferably overnight
Equipment: large mixing bowl, rolling pin or food processor, baking parchment and a sharp knife

Ingredients

• 15 plain digestive biscuits, approximately 220g
• 15 standard or large marshmallows, approximately 100g
• 15 glacé cherries, approximately 90g
• 175–200g sweetened condensed milk
• 75g desiccated coconut

Method

1. Place the digestive biscuits in a strong food bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Most should be reduced to fine crumbs, although a few small pieces may remain for texture. A food processor may be used, provided enthusiasm is restrained.
2. Cut each marshmallow into four pieces. Halve the glacé cherries, or quarter any particularly imposing specimens.
3. Put the biscuit crumbs, marshmallows and cherries into a large bowl and mix them together.
4. Add 175g of the condensed milk and stir thoroughly. The mixture should hold together when pressed firmly in the hand without becoming wet or flowing.
5. If it remains loose or crumbly, add more condensed milk a teaspoon at a time. Depending upon the biscuits and the size of the marshmallows, the full 200g may be required.
6. Spread most of the desiccated coconut over a large sheet of baking parchment.
7. Spoon the mixture onto the coconut and use the parchment to compress it into a firm log approximately 30cm long. Roll it until the outside is evenly coated, adding the remaining coconut where required.
8. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment and refrigerate for at least four hours. An overnight rest produces the cleanest slices and is recommended where public presentation is contemplated.
9. Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled log into 15 slices. Wipe the knife between cuts if necessary.

The condensed milk question

A standard 397g tin of condensed milk is sufficient for two batches: thirty digestives, thirty marshmallows and thirty glacé cherries.

For a single batch, it is better to begin with 175g than to commit the entire half-tin immediately. Digestive biscuits vary in weight and absorbency, and it is considerably easier to add condensed milk than to remove it.

The correct mixture is sticky and firm. It should submit to being shaped, but it should not slump when left unattended.

Notes for parish use

Fifteens are best made the evening before they are required. Keep them refrigerated until reasonably close to serving, particularly in warm weather.

For transport, leave the log whole and wrapped, place it in a biscuit tin or lidded container, and slice it at the destination. This reduces both damage and unauthorised preliminary sampling.

Store sliced Fifteens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freezing remains under examination and is not yet included in the provisional standard.

Allergens and dietary matters

This recipe contains wheat, gluten and milk. Ingredient labels should always be checked, particularly where food is being served publicly.

Most conventional marshmallows contain gelatine, so Fifteens should not be described as vegetarian unless suitable marshmallows have been used. Manufacturing warnings for nuts and other allergens vary between brands.

Provisional assessment

When the Society conducts its practical trial, attention will be given to:

• firmness after an overnight chill;
• even distribution of cherries and marshmallows;
• resistance to crumbling during transport;
• the production of fifteen defensible slices;
• suitability for consumption beside a properly made cup of tea.

Until that examination has taken place, this recipe remains provisionally commended for domestic investigation.

Reports from the field will be received with interest.