Helen's Home Cooking; Scottish Tablet

[@EliseSpeirs]

Thank you, Helen, I've just made my first-ever batch of Tablet from this recipe. Takes me back to my childhood in Glasgow!

[@13blackcatzzz]

When I was a small child, we lived in Scotland, Dunoon. I remember having a treat once that was sweet, and crumbly. I've spent my life trying to figure out what it was. It's a very vivid memory. And THIS IS IT!!!! IM SO EXCITED!!!!

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Firstly can I apologise for the delay in replying to you, but I somehow missed your comment. The very first thing I love about the comments that folks make is when they say it reminds them of their childhood. It looks like you've had the same experience. Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment, it means so much to me. H

[@trishignao8191]

Fellow Scots here living in America. I promised my husband I would make him some tablet for Christmas. It has been a few months since I made the last lot. Hubby insisted I trawl through the many videos so he could check out the different ways people made their tablet. We love this video. I have to say that my husband has a hearing deficit so we put on the closed captions. Boy did they get it all wrong! It was kind of hysterical reading the closed captions and the look on my Hubby’s face was priceless. It thoroughly entertained us. Sometimes I add peppermint to my tablet instead of the vanilla essence. It tastes great. Sometimes my mum would add raisins but that was not my favorite. Had one friend ask if I could make some jalapeño tablet. They add jalapeños to toffee over here. I just know if that would be adulterating our other national favourite. Thanks for making this video.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

I've heard about the closed captions and the ensuing entertainment. At the start we had sub-titles going up automatically, but they led to too much confusion 😆. I have had some ask if I could modify my accent a little, but I don't think a posh telephone accent would work 😉. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and took the time to comment, it really means so much to me. Best wishes for the coming Season. H

[@trishignao8191]

@@TheOrkneyNews oh please never change the accent. I’ve been in the US for 17 years and the Gourock accent has remained with me. If Apple can’t get the Scottish accent then there is no hope for KZbin…..lol.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

@@trishignao8191 indeed, anyone would think we talk weirdly or some such 😉 H

[@jdm0101]

Evaporated Milk is evaporating the water from the milk, meaning there's are a higher concentration of the Milk Solids in the tin (less water). That's why it's slightly thicker than milk - more like cream. Good recipe Helen x

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Well thank you kind sir on both counts. I'm always taken aback that people take the time to comment likely as I'm surprised people watch them, so thank you for doing both. H

[@amymason8599]

Love your video! Thank you and I can't wait to make it. Fond memories of my Scottish great aunties and gran who used to make it.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Good luck, let me know how it goes. H

[@eb7128]

I can't wait to try this. Wonderful memories of my vacation to Scotland. Thanks for the great video

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Thank you very much. If you do try it you must let me know how you get on. H

[@dougwalker4860]

Thanks for the video. Gonna make it this afternoon 👌

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Hope it worked for you. H

[@jeanmcdonald7786]

Stirlingobservrt

[@bigrev1601]

Adding this one to my Christmas candies list! Thanks, Helen! Such a joy to watch you cook!

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Why thank you, what a lovely comment.

[@abcd8680]

This is awesome! Thank you! This is the closest way to the way my Mom made it. My Mom was from Edinburgh. I can't wait to try this now

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Let me know how you get on with it please. H

[@abcd8680]

@@TheOrkneyNews So I lost my password 3 years ago and while cleaning up some papers today, out popped the tiny post it note I put it on lol. So I logged into this KZbin account and came across my replies and saw yours so I just want to update you that after watching your video and making it the exact way you showed, it came out PERFECT!! I watch this video every time I make it now. Thank you so much!!

[@TheOrkneyNews]

@@abcd8680 what a lovely story. I'm so very pleased that you enjoyed it. I might just have to make it myself soon, I've not had it for ages, that'll be because I am the only one that eats it lol. H

[@janicewilson1190]

Wow well done beautifully explained 😊 will try it

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Why thank you so very much. What a lovely thing to say. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. H

[@eileenesposito6726]

I cannae wait to try this, so big day tomorrow even when it’s sweltering hot here in 🇮🇲 I’ll be making it. I hope I do it justice. Thank you Helen.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Hope you enjoy it. Not made it in a wee while myself, but I do love it. H

[@louiseperry6643]

I love tablet.❤❤❤

[@frenchie1132]

Thanks, childhood memories!

[@bigmacntings7451]

haha these recipes are so familiar. my gran(ireland) always used to swear by evaporated milk in tea...very similar to the orkney condnsed milk thing you have

[@StandardGoose]

My Scottish wife loves tablet, but I hate it. I'm convinced that tablet was invented when someone ruined a batch of fudge and being a Scot didn't want to waste money by throwing it away.

[@geoffdundee]

Jonathon Cowley-Thom .......tablet is indeed fudge that went wrong....ie:boiled longer than it should have at a higher temperature.

[@fishfootface]

😂👍

[@marnoch4632]

😂

[@gilly9430]

Tablet is WAY better than fudge!

[@dianacreighton2248]

My mother (English) always made this each Christmas, but she called it fudge. I now know the recipe I’ve been looking for was Scottish tablet! 0:06 0:06

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Awe, so glad you've found it. Fudge I equate to Cornwall and is almost like a hybrid of toffee and tablet, definitely chewy. Hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe. H

[@marianlawrie8614]

Yes fudge and tablets different .

[@mjchristie100]

Evaporated milk quite simply is milk that has been boiled until it is reduced slightly, which gives it a sweeter and slightly tangy taste and off white colour. 😋

[@shayronmooney8370]

Hello Helen (from just across town😂) how thick/deep is your table when poured into a 25x35 ish tin please? Just trying to work out how many pieces/ bags I'll get out of a tray. Thank you.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Sorry I missed this Shayron, the notification didn't come through, likely about three quarters of an inch from a 12x8 inch dish. Hx

[@juliedoo5253]

Evaporated milk is boiled to reduce it, hence the caramelised flavour and the dark cream colour.

[@bettybentley6556]

Looks good

[@alexandriaadamsonmusic-aut4575]

Thanks to you Helen, I’ve made homemade Hogmanay Tablet, but funny thing is never needed to use milk, just used a wee bit mare butter, and instead of vanilla essence, put some golden syrup through it and it looks, so far, sheer bliss! Thank you for your easy peasy, lemon squeezy and fully accessible step by step guide, compared to the other 2 attempts that went horribly wrong, gie yersel’ a good ole pat on the back for being an amazing, presumable ally to the learning disabled and neurodivergent community, you really helped a lot! Have pics if you have any other social media links! #ActuallyAutistic #learningdisabled #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent

[@TheOrkneyNews]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much for your kind words, it is very much appreciated. You can find me on twitter (refuse to say X) @helenarmet we also have @newsorkney to link in. H

[@alalalala04]

I've done it today and it's amazing xxx thank you

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Whoop whoop, so glad it worked for you, thank you for making it. H

[@FoxRogers]

I want to try it with what we call "light brown sugar" in the States. So yummy looking 💗

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Let me know if it works, I'd be interested to know. H

[@Biggles2498]

Aye but it wouldna be real Scottish Tablet ken whatta mean ?

[@carolstrachan4197]

Good luck with that sugar. I'm not holding out that it will work.

[@joanneineson9516]

Great video, thanks. You make it slightly different from my mum (from Alexandria), which I LOVE, but am going to try your recipe. My kiwi daughters LOVE tablet so won’t last long :- /

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Thanks for the message, let me know how it goes down and if your daughters enjoy it. H

[@carwilson8805]

Fond memories - so more-ish!

[@TheOrkneyNews]

It is that, dangerous when I'm the only person that eats it though. H 😱

[@bigmacntings7451]

evaporated fluff was always a good accompaniment to dessert. before the days of squirty cream it was done with ev milk and a whisk/ blender if you where rich.

[@michellepatterson1726]

I'm from America, the state of West Virginia in what is called Appalachia where we are refered to as "Hill Billy".... My grandmother used to make something like this as a topping in a chocolate cake. It would get hard and she always knew when I went into the kitchen because I would just break off the icing and eat that... ☺️ My heritage is Scots/Irish and I'm pretty sure her "icing" was actually Scottish Tablet. Have you ever heard of anyone using it as icing? Maybe the recipe she had had become "Americanized"... Any thoughts? Thanks in advance 😀

[@TheOrkneyNews]

This has fascinated me, but I have to say that I've never heard of tablet being used as a cake topper and I'm sitting here trying to fathom out how it would work as obviously the tablet in it's liquid form is like molton lava. I'll ask around my Mum's age group and see if anyone can enlighten us. Thanks for taking the time to comment especially with such an interesting query. H

[@marianlawrie8614]

I’ve never heard of that either .sounds good though !

[@frenchie1132]

I do that kind of topping with crushed walnuts that would be dripped on top of a rum cake and it is crunchy just like tablet, I make tablet as well.

[@emilymorton2966]

Love your video!

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Thank you so much. H

[@charlotteb7433]

Is the pot different at the end from the one you started the tablet in Helen?

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Cracking spot, over 8k people have watched and are the first person to notice. The original pot was given to me just before I did this recipe and I'd not used it for tablet before. Just before we picked up for the last film I suddenly thought the base may not be solid enough as it was threatening to stick and after a half hour of stirring I did not want to abort the video. That was the only reason, I just didn't want the tablet to spoil. Only three real rules, heavy based pot, a very large pot and stir, stir, stir. H

[@charlotteb7433]

@@TheOrkneyNews Are you still doing video's Helen (2021)?, as I can't seem to get them here now on KZbin, really like you're style of cooking, I have asked my grandsons to watch them.....and learn...Lol...Please keep safe, we are now in the throws of another lockdown...Bah! Humbug!!

[@charlotteb7433]

@@TheOrkneyNews Beautiful looking Tablet...yum!

[@elletram]

i made some yesterday and its still soft what am i doing wrong ill try another tray today

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Firstly, get that soft tablet back in the pot, you have nothing to lose at this point. Slowly let it melt back down and then followed the ** section below. If it doesn't work then try what I suggest below. Oh and make sure it is a heavy based pot and definitely not a non stick pot. If you are giving it exactly the same timing as I did, you must be almost there. **Keep stirring until you can start to see it and hear it sticking to the sides of your pot.** If that still doesn't work then I suggest increasing the heat very slightly, but try above first as I'd hate it if your tablet burned. H

[@seemtobeasecret]

Hi. Can i add in matcha powder? Have u ever tried or maybe heard that?

[@TheOrkneyNews]

@@seemtobeasecret hi there, not sure to be honest, the flavour of green tea may work, but I can't say for sure if your powder would break down enough. I would use food essence if I were wanting to change the flavour, not sure if that's an option. H

[@seemtobeasecret]

@TheOrkneyNews i'll try making half batch to see if it works and will tell you once i did it okay. 🙂

[@julieherbert4895]

Just tried making this & it was really good. Thank you or the recipe.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

You are quite welcome, so glad that you enjoyed it. Makes me doing these all the worth while. H

[@graemejones2081]

Very good video - you don't beat/whisk it after the 20 min boil? My mum beat it with a wooden spoon - exhausting! If we don't need to, that would be great!

[@TheOrkneyNews]

You keep beating it until you hear a kind of scratching sound as the tablet starts to stick to the pot. My one just happened to be ready after the 20mins so I was able to stop vigorously beating it and just kept stirring it to stop it sticking too much Hope that helps. H H

[@elizabethdouglas2711]

my gran used to put condensed milk in her tea fussels condensed milk

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Fussels was always what I used for Tablet, it was taken over by Nestle I believe. I love it and can eat it straight from the tin. H

[@elizabethdouglas2711]

@@TheOrkneyNews me to

[@Vincenza8907]

Both evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk were created to extend the life of milk, and create a product that could with stand summers.

[@greninjaplays7372]

Hi can you use caster sugar for this or does it need to be granulated x

[@TheOrkneyNews]

To be honest I've never tried it with caster sugar but yes you can, it can give a smoother texture, I prefer slightly course. Traditionally in Scotland it's granulated you use but I know you can use golden caster for a more caramel'y flavour too. Hope this helps. H

[@gogoravah79]

I tried this today and my tablet was very crumbly in the pot. I’m hoping it sets more solid! Did I cook it too long?

[@BigglesBurgers]

Easy to follow recipe for sure. Only issue is I am like you. It's the same as Tunnocks Tea Cakes and the Snowballs. Once you open the packet they are all gone and am the only person in the house.

[@mjrussell414]

I put vanilla and a dash of salt in my father in law’s Scottish mother’s recipe.

[@jonsmum5552]

My late father used to say when the tablet is ready it sounds like sand.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

That's a great description, I usually say scratchy, but sand is fabulous. H

[@anniep9294]

My gran said they used condensed milk during the war

[@TheOrkneyNews]

They would have indeed and a luxury it would have been.

[@anniep9294]

The Orkney News yes of course. Back in the day, she was a young widow with 7 young children. So, she took the bed out of a room during the day and and used it as a shop. 😂 there was no DWP in they days they had to think critically then. Not like now! It was difficult but I don’t believe it’s better in many ways. We have placed our power elsewhere and therefore losing individuality.

[@LetitiaWardle-ty7fi]

Mines got ruined, had wee bits of hardened sugar float to the top and the liquid overflowed, need a heavier and deeper pot..😢 oh well, lessons learned , investment in a good pot and proper scales that work for measuring..Yours looked fab, I did put vanilla essence, maybe thats why I got the bits 😂.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Awe no.....it happens even though it's incredibly frustrating. Your suggested remedy will most certainly help, also make sure you stir it constantly during the twenty minutes faze. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. H

[@bartardo1]

I love this fudge ,thank you 🙂.....i did try using a stool but it stank the kitchen out ❤

[@patricia8546]

Not fudge. Fudge is softer

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Aye, evaporated milk is concentrated milk, they evaporate it down to remove much of the water, but not all of it

[@gerarddeveau5033]

Can you replace the Vanilla with a wee bit of Scottish Whiskey?

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Don't see why not. I believe that recipes are just experiments until you hit on the one you like best. H

[@aeballantynejones136]

3 times I've tried to make this ...made it before came out OK but for some reason its not this time any ideas ...

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Ok let's try, if it's not setting properly, break it up and put it back into the pot and bring it back to the boil. As your stirring it, try to wait until it sounds like it's scraping the sides (on a reheat, this may not take very long). The most common problem is people putting it into a tray to set too soon. If this wasn't the problem, get back to me. Hope it helps. H

[@aeballantynejones136]

Thanks Helen I think I didn't cook it long enough till it was a darker brown colour

[@duncanhunter9403]

Would you like the ingredients list in cups and tablespoons and ounces?

[@TheOrkneyNews]

@@duncanhunter9403 I should have it converted somewhere at home as this recipe is so very old that it would have been in pounds and ounces etc. not currently at home so shall get back to you with the measurements. I hope this is ok. H

[@TheOrkneyNews]

@@duncanhunter9403 I think it should be 5 cups of granulated sugar, 250mls milk is 8.45 US fluid ounces, 125g butter is 1/2cup or 1.10 sticks, 397g condensed milk is 1&1/4 cups approx maybe a dessert spoon more will be needed and then just 1/2tsp vanilla extract. I must caveat to say I've never made it with these measurements, but I've tried to be as accurate as possible. I do hope they make sense. H

[@patricia8546]

😊if you have any tablet left, crush it and add to ice cream…. Mmmmm. Delicious

[@TheOrkneyNews]

It is indeed, likewise with puff candy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XUeplpqd6foNUsi=aqH1ehl0diHBXdGX

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Did you see the no churn ice cream, so easy. H

[@TheOrkneyNews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XUeplpqd6foNUsi=aqH1ehl0diHBXdGX

[@paulabuchanan2106]

Was that granulated sugar?

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Yes it is. The whole 1kg bag too. 😱😱

[@Biggles2498]

Both evaporated milk and condensed milk both have had approx. 60% water extracted BUT evaporated milk is NOT sweetened however condensed milk IS to a very unhealthy level ...that's the basic difference. It took me 3 attempts to make tablet successfully as my Mother got the recipe wrong but I stupidly followed her recipe to the letter. You can even make tablet without butter using a little vanilla essence as long as you put in the full 1 kg of sugar.

[@Ghosts-of-York]

yammy

[@noizyneighbour5790]

Marmite tablet here we come! 😀

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Nah.....yae'll love it. H

[@noizyneighbour5790]

@@TheOrkneyNews Helen what I meant was marmite flavoured tablet - not that I might not like it. I was introduced to Mrs. Tillys by a young lady from Livingston many moons ago and have been hooked ever since. I like to experiment so will be trying flavoured tablet. Today I have made salted caramel - next will be lemon, orange, and coffee. Marmite when I am feeling brave 😀 Edit: Salted Caramel worked like a charm - it's amazing! Coffee also completed - 1 1/2 dessert spoons of camp coffee 5 mins before pouring. Also really nice 😀 Edit: Lemon completed - best so far! Edit: Orange completed - nice! Marmite next.....

[@geoffdundee]

@@noizyneighbour5790 .....marmite? 🤮🤮🤮 ......Try making whisky or rum tablet.....you can thank me later 😁

[@whois_frase]

I’m Scottish

[@margaretmatheson7549]

Could you give me the amounts please Helen thank you

[@kitchfacepalm]

She tells you at the beginning. Butter 125g, milk 250ml, sugar 1kg, condensed milk 375ml can * vanilla essence 2,5ml optional.

[@scotty193]

Tablet should be outlawed but what the heck.Im a bit loose in character and when watching you I see a person very much on there game but equally wonky as me..............Thats why I like watching you, smart people like us have our traits.

[@heathergeddes6571]

Googled it for you.... Fresh milk warmed on simmer heat until it reduce to half of the original volume, it gives it a light cream color and bit thick consistency, by this water in the milk get evaporated without any loss of nutrients that is why it is called Evaporated milk.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Why thank you, it just popped into my head when I was making it, but heh it's not like me to either waffle or go off on a tangent. ;) H

[@jamesgoodbrand208]

Stupidly burnt my bottom lip removing a good layer of skin eagerly tasting it off the spoon seconds after pouring it into the baking tray 🤬🤬🤬🤡🤡🤡 remember folks no taste tests till its set lol

[@TheOrkneyNews]

Oops, not so good. Hope it tastes good to make up for it. H

[@miyounova]

Evaporated means that the water has evaporated to a point, if I'm not mistaken.

[@TheOrkneyNews]

It does indeed mean that, thank you very much for replying. H

[@Tork131413]

Well that was a waste of time and money. They must have teeth like iron in Orkney because what I ended up with was rock hard. Having fine some further research I found a recipe that actually makes sense and has temperatures to cook to. Nice lady pity she can’t cook

[@TheOrkneyNews]

I'm sorry that it didn't work out for you. Working in keeping as near as possible with traditional recipes makes thermometers redundant I'm afraid. It is a hard confectionery unlike fudge which is softer. Scottish tablet does tend to be harder than fudge. Thanks for leaving me the feedback anyways. H