The core ingredients of Mrs Tilly's Scottish tablet
Mrs Tilly's relies on a classic, time-honoured recipe to create its renowned Scottish tablet. Unlike some other confectionery, the ingredient list is short and focused, highlighting the quality of each component. This simple combination, when cooked and handled correctly, is what gives the tablet its distinctive flavour and texture. The primary ingredients are fundamental to achieving the rich, buttery, and grainy consistency that defines traditional tablet.
- Sugar: The foundation of the tablet, providing the bulk of its sweetness. The sugar is boiled to a specific temperature to initiate crystallisation, which is key to the texture.
- Whole Milk: Contributes to the overall richness and creaminess of the tablet. Whole milk ensures a higher fat content, resulting in a more decadent flavour.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: A crucial ingredient that provides additional sweetness and body. Condensed milk is a major factor in differentiating tablet from fudge, as it helps create the characteristic granular, crumbly texture.
- Salted Butter (Milk): Adds a luxurious, buttery richness and deepens the overall caramel-like flavour profile. The salt also provides a subtle balance to the intense sweetness.
- Glucose Syrup: This ingredient is often used in confectionery to help control crystallisation and prevent the sugar from becoming too hard or grainy. It also contributes to the smooth, melt-in-the-mouth quality.
The magic of texture: Tablet vs. fudge
Many people confuse Scottish tablet with fudge, but the two are distinctly different, a fact that is most evident in their texture. While both are sweet, dairy-based treats, their preparation and ingredients lead to two very different final products.
The most significant difference lies in the cooking process. For tablet, the mixture is boiled to a higher temperature and then beaten vigorously as it cools. This process encourages the formation of tiny sugar crystals, giving the tablet its crumbly, granular texture. Fudge, on the other hand, is cooked to a lower temperature and often cooled more gently, resulting in a smoother, softer, and chewier consistency.
Another key distinction is the dairy base. Traditional tablet relies heavily on sweetened condensed milk, while classic fudge recipes often use cream. The use of condensed milk, combined with the specific beating technique, is fundamental to creating the firm yet brittle and melt-in-the-mouth quality that tablet aficionados cherish.
| Feature | Mrs Tilly's Scottish Tablet | Traditional Fudge |
|---|---|---|
| Key Dairy | Sweetened Condensed Milk, Whole Milk | Cream or Milk |
| Texture | Firm, grainy, and crumbly; melts in the mouth | Soft, smooth, and creamy; much chewier |
| Cooking Method | Boiled to a high temperature, then vigorously beaten while cooling | Boiled to a lower temperature, cooled more gently |
| Final Consistency | Brittle and can snap easily | Chewy and soft |
The craftsmanship behind the classic taste
For a confection that uses only a few ingredients, the process is everything. The team at Mrs Tilly's follows a time-honoured method that ensures each batch meets the high standards expected of authentic Scottish tablet. Making the tablet involves several crucial steps:
- The ingredients are slowly heated together in a large pan until the sugar is fully dissolved. This gentle start prevents the mixture from burning.
- The heat is increased, and the mixture is brought to a rolling boil while being stirred continuously. This requires patience and care, as the mixture can become very hot and bubble volcanically.
- The mixture is cooked until it reaches the correct temperature, known as the 'soft-ball stage' (approximately 120°C / 248°F).
- After reaching the correct temperature, the mixture is removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly. This is followed by the most critical step: beating the mixture. It is beaten by hand or machine until it begins to thicken, crystallise, and lose its gloss. This beating process is the secret to creating the characteristic grainy texture.
- Finally, the thickened mixture is poured into a lined tin and left to cool and set completely before being cut into squares.
This meticulous process, rooted in tradition, is what creates the perfect, crumbly result that Mrs Tilly's is famous for. It's a testament to the fact that simplicity and attention to detail can result in a truly exceptional treat.
Why Mrs Tilly's stands out
Mrs Tilly's has earned its reputation not just by adhering to a traditional recipe but also by maintaining a commitment to quality. The company began as a humble home-based business and has grown by staying true to its core values of quality products and service. For those who love a rich, sweet, and authentic Scottish treat, Mrs Tilly's tablet provides an experience that is both indulgent and nostalgic. The brand's success is a direct result of its straightforward recipe and dedication to traditional confectionery methods.
In an age of complex, multi-ingredient foods, the simplicity of Mrs Tilly's Scottish tablet is refreshing. It's a reminder that some of the best treats are made with just a few core ingredients, a lot of care, and a traditional, perfected process. The result is a unique, melt-in-the-mouth candy that has become a beloved part of Scottish culture.
For more information on the company's story and other products, you can visit the official Mrs Tilly's website.
Conclusion: The simple recipe behind a Scottish classic
In conclusion, the ingredients in Mrs Tilly's Scottish tablet are sugar, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, salted butter, and glucose syrup. It is this precise, five-ingredient combination and the traditional cooking and beating process that creates the sweet, buttery flavour and famously crumbly texture that sets it apart from other confections like fudge. The quality of these simple ingredients, combined with an authentic recipe, is the secret behind Mrs Tilly's award-winning and much-loved Scottish treat.
