The Ultimate Recipe for Fifteens: A Delightful Scottish Treat

Fifteens, those delectable little Scottish confectionery delights, are a true testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. This recipe will guide you through creating these melt-in-your-mouth treats, perfect for any occasion. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to storage tips, ensuring your Fifteens are a resounding success.

Understanding the Ingredients: Quality Matters

The beauty of Fifteens lies in the quality of their ingredients. Don't skimp here – the richer the butter, the more intense the flavour.

• Butter: Use good quality, unsalted butter. Salted butter can throw off the delicate balance of flavours.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is the standard, providing the necessary sweetness and structure.
• Flour: Plain (all-purpose) flour is key. Ensure it's sifted for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
• Oats: Rolled oats provide texture and heartiness. Use only good quality rolled oats, not quick-cooking oats.
• Dates: Medjool dates are preferred for their rich, caramel-like flavour and soft texture. Pitted, of course!
• Glace Cherries: These add a beautiful pop of colour and sweetness. High-quality glace cherries are worth the investment.
• Chocolate: Use good quality milk chocolate. The melting point is crucial for a smooth, glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Fifteens Recipe: A Simple Guide

This recipe makes approximately 20 Fifteens.

Ingredients:

• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (1 ½ cups) rolled oats
• 100g (1 ½ cups) plain flour, sifted
• 50g (½ cup) pitted Medjool dates, finely chopped
• 50g glace cherries, roughly chopped
• 100g milk chocolate, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done using an electric mixer.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour and rolled oats, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Incorporate Dates and Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped dates and glace cherries.
4. Shape the Fifteens: Roll tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Melt the Chocolate: While the Fifteens are baking, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method). Ensure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.
7. Coat the Fifteens: Once the Fifteens are cool enough to handle, dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated.
8. Set and Cool: Place the chocolate-coated Fifteens back onto the baking paper to set. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Fifteens Success: Achieving Perfection

• Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough Fifteens. Mix until just combined.
• Cooling Time is Crucial: Allow the Fifteens to cool completely before serving to prevent the chocolate from melting.
• Storage: Store your Fifteens in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Fifteens Experience

Fifteens are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a fantastic addition to a festive cookie platter.

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