Lots of people have asked for a recipe for Scottish tablet, so I think it’s about time I posted the simplest version of one online. Home made Scottish tablet is wickedly sinful, but delicious. It’s also quite difficult to make, and there are lots and lots of different ways to make it. This version is in the microwave.
Please read all the comments below, before you decide to make this version of tablet. Some people struggle with it.
If you only have a very small microwave, I’d be tempted to go for half these quantities.
I prefer to microwave to the melted stage as every time I try to do it in a pot, I burn it before the sugar is melted.
Microwave Scottish Tablet Recipe
Very sweet, and you do need to keep an eye on this. The cooking time does vary by microwave. Some people have not found success with this, but if you can make it work, it's fabulous.
Ingredients
- 200 ml whole milk
- 180 g butter
- 800 g sugar preferably caster but I have used Demerara
- 1 tin condensed milk - approx 400g
Instructions
- You need a large bowl that fits into your microwave. Some people may prefer to transfer into a thick bottomed pot to finish the tablet after the sugar is completely melted.
- With the butter, condensed milk, whole milk and sugar in the bowl, put in your microwave and melt the sugar at 1 minute intervals, while stirring in between. You don't want the mix to boil as it will rise up in the dish and spill over if you're not careful.
- When you think the sugar is completely boiled, use your finger on the back of your stirring spatula as it cools, to see if there are no sugar crystals left. You want the mix to be smooth.
- From the melting point, the mix will boil very quickly. I do mine in 30 second bursts as I have a high wattage microwave. If you have a lower wattage one, you might get away with 1 minute + bursts. Remember to keep an eye out for the mix rising up the bowl as if it spills you will have a gooey, hot and sticky mess. Stir quite vigorously each time you take the mix out for a few seconds.
- Keep going until the mix begins to turn from light brown to a darker brown. It could take 10 - 15 minutes to change.
- To find out if it is ready, use a cup of water and take a teaspoon of mix from the bowl. Leave it for a couple of minutes and if it forms a soft ball between your fingers if you roll it, then it is ready. With a very soft ball, the tablet will be softer. If you take a bit longer and have a slightly firmer ball, your tablet will have the traditional hard and crumbly texture that makes it so popular.
- This is the bit that makes the difference to how well it works. Take the mix out of the microwave and either use a hand whisk or a wooden spoon to beat the mix until it begins to cool and go slightly grainy. It takes anything from 5 - 10 minutes, depending on how large a batch you are making.
- Once the tablet begins to thicken, move it quickly into a pre foiled tray and spread it out.
- Put into the freezer for about 1 - 2 hours.
- Turn upside down on a chopping board and score the tablet with a knife.
- Cut or break the tablet into pieces.
Notes
I prefer to microwave to the melted stage as every time I try to do it in a pot, I burn it before the sugar is melted.
If you only have a very small microwave, I'd be tempted to go for half these quantities.
Cooking time will vary depending on the power of your microwave but could be anything from 15 - 30 minutes.