It’s in the bag

Like many of you, we here at Partnerships for Wellbeing had to cancel or postpone a few of our planned festivities because of the latest Covid alert.  The first casualty was our Valued Volunteers party where we had hoped to bring together all our drivers, walk leaders and board members – many of whom have never met each other. Well that knees-up  is on hold until, we hope, February next year.  One very sweet problem we encountered was what to do with the fifty small party bags of tablet that Nicola MacKenzie, our transport officer, lovingly prepared just 24 hours before we decided to follow Government guidelines and change our plans.  Nicola, a culinary perfectionist, doesn’t think it will keep until February.  I’ve offered to eat the lot myself, but instead we’re gifting it to our friends and neighbours. Well, most of it.  Meanwhile, I’m adding Nicola’s recipe for Puffin Tablet at the end of this blog entry. And if you watch the Christmas edition of Ways to Wellbeing, you’ll see how we came up with a tortured and convoluted way of arguing that making and gifting tablet can fulfil all five of the NHS Steps to Wellbeing.  Ok, we may be kidding ourselves, but its worth a try.

JZ

 Puffin Tablet

Makes approx 90 1x1” squares.

What you’ll need:

-          250ml Full Fat Milk

-          900g Caster Sugar

-          85g Butter

-          1 x Tin of Condensed Milk (400g tin)

-          9x13inch dish

-          Thermometer*

-          A strong arm… there is a lot of whisking ahead!

*If you don’t have a thermometer, have a small cool plate ready.

Method:

1.Grease and line a 9x13inch deep tray. Have a whisk or wooden spoon, thermometer & your tray to hand. As the tablet sets quickly, it’s best to have everything prepped in advance.

2. Add your milk, sugar + butter to a large heavy-based pan and place on a medium heat until everything is combined, and the sugar has dissolved. Stir constantly.

3. Add your condensed milk to the pan and continue to stir thoroughly. 

4.Increase the heat slightly, bringing the mixture to a gentle rolling boil. Stir continuously.

5.You’ll see the mixture begin to darken in colour. Patience is paramount – this process can take around 45minutes. You’re looking for a deep, rich golden colour. Your mixture, when ready, should reach 120⁰ϲ. If you don’t have a thermometer, place a spoonful of water on a cool plate. Carefully, drop a small amount of mixture into the water. The tablet is ready when it can easily be formed into a smooth ball. 6.Take the pan off the heat and continue to whisk the mixture for another five minutes. You should see it begin to thicken slightly.

7.Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared dish, ensuring it has been spread across the dish evenly.

8. Allow the tablet to set at room temperature. After 20 minutes, gently score the tablet into squares for easy cutting later. Leave the tablet to set fully, for at least one hour.

9. Cut the tablet into squares and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months… if it lasts that long!