Baking: Scottish Tablet

In case anyone is unfamiliar with tablet it is a medium-hard, sugary confectionary that is awesome as an after dinner treat with coffee.  Many people describe it being similar to fudge, however it is not a soft as fudge, nor does it have the same consistency. You bite into a piece of tablet and at first it feels grainy and then it melts in your mouth. Sugary goodness.  

I have been experimenting with Scottish Tablet recipes all weekend and think I have finally nailed it. My arms ache from stirring and I am on a bit of a sugar overload from tasting, but it was worth it.  

Tablet was a rare treat when I was wee, I can understand now why my mum wasn’t keen to make it when my brother or I were around.  The sugary mix gets ridiculously hot, so be careful whilst you are stirring.  

Adapted from the Nestle Carnation Website.

You will need:
55 g butter
250 ml milk
900 g caster sugar
385ml can of condensed milk (I used Viking Melk)
2 tsp of vanilla essence
Baking tray lined with baking paper

Method:

(1) In a large heavy based pan (I used a La Creuset Cast Iron Casserole pot), melt the butter with the milk. Slowly add the sugar, boil briskly and stir for 4 minutes.

(2) Gradually stir in the condensed milk. Bring back to the boil and boil for approximately 20 minutes, stir continually so that the mix doesn’t boil over or burn. Be careful not to stir too aggressively as the mixture will burn you if you get splashed.

(3) After 20 minutes the mixture should be thick and a light brown colour.  Add the two teaspoons of vanilla essence.

(4) Take it off the heat, and beat it constantly at a fast pace until it thickens (this took me around 15 minutes).  The mixture should start coming away from the bottom of the pan and stick to the wooden spoon.

(5) Pour into the tray and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.

(6) After 15 minutes it should be cool enough score into square pieces. Do this with a sharp knife.

(7) Allow to set.

(8) Make a cup of coffee (or pour a glass of milk) and enjoy!