Fifteens

Fifteens are a type of tray bake from Ulster. They are very popular among natives and ex-pats alike. The recipe calls for 15 of each ingredient, hence the name, and is typically composed of digestive biscuits, marshmallows, condensed milk and desiccated coconut. Some choose to add glacé cherries to the recipe, however this ingredient is the source of controversy among locals who either deem it to be an essential ingredient or an unnecessary addition. 
The biscuits are crushed before being mixed in a bowl with the condensed milk and miniature or chopped marshmallows. The mixture is then rolled into a log or sausage shape which is in turn rolled in the desiccated coconut and placed in a fridge to set. Once it has been in the fridge for a few hours the log is removed and cut into, as the name suggests, fifteen slices and served. The delicacy is traditionally offered with other tray bakes, buns or biscuits and is commonly enjoyed with a cup of tea. Fifteens are seldom found outside Northern Ireland and County Donegal. 