Fifteens? “What are they,” you ask? Fifteens are a part of the social fabric of Northern Ireland. I used to see them in the counter at work when I went for my morning cup of tea with the girls. It wasn’t until I tried them that I realised just how delicious they were.
You see, to me they looked like they were made from peanut butter, of which I’m not a fan. I’m also not so keen on marshmallows…so I was pretty leery.
BUT….
With just one bite, I was a big fan! The flavour combinations are just right. The marshmallows are just the right size, the cherries add a hit of flavour, and the digestive/condensed milk/ and coconut combination you just can’t beat!
I don’t make these often, but when I do…I simply have to share with others….otherwise I’d end up eating them all myself.
On this occasion we were making them so I could fly them over to my Uncle and Aunt when I had the pleasure of meeting up with them for a day while they were in the UK. They knew I was bringing them over, so they couldn’t just ‘disappear’ in transit.
Fifteens Ingredients
There are only but a few ingredients in this recipe. And you’ll soon discover why it has the name it does.
- 15 Digestive biscuits-crushed into crumbs (You could also use graham crackers)
- 15 Chopped glacée cherries
- 15 Pink & white marshmallows (large ones cut into quarters, or use about 60 mini marshmallows)
- 1 Small tin condensed milk
- Coconut
Fifteens Instructions
1) Let the kids have some fun crushing the digestives! Fun is what it’s all about when you have kids in the kitchen!
2) Mix all of the ingredients together and form into a roll. The size of the roll doesn’t matter. We made smaller rolls so that we could do more sharing, but if you’re doing these for a bake sale or are just feeling generous, one big roll will be fine.
I love fifteens, but I do find them a bit rich and struggle to finish the ones they sold at work. So I make ours smaller.
3) Sprinkle the coconut on grease-proof paper (wax paper).
4) Place the roll on the wax paper and roll it in the coconut until it is covered.
5) Leave the rolls wrapped in the wax paper in fridge for at least an hour.
6) Cut the roll into slices.
I haven’t figured out why, but when I cut a roll they always flatten on one side. This never seems to happen to others. What’s your secret? I’d love to know!
The above is the “official” recipe, but on occasion I’ve had to add a few more digestives to make it work for me.
The first time I made this recipe, I combined the above ingredients but the texture was still too soft and gooey. So as I was out of digestives after a total of about 17, I added 4-5 ‘Nice’ cookies as well until I had the proper consistency- not too gooey and not too hard as they firm up in the fridge after a few hours or overnight. And the ‘Nice’ cookies blend in nicely with their coconut flavour.
Just another case of making the recipe ‘my own’. Do what works for you and if it works, keep doing it!
That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!
And these are the Fifteens that DID make it to their intended destination. We’ll be making another batch soon so Dad can try them when he comes to visit.
So, have fun making a batch of Fifteens, make yourself a cup of tea, sit down and relax for fifteen, with a fifteen.
Enjoy!
Does your area have a dish that is specific to it? Please share it with me, I love trying regional specialties.
