The Northern Irish Treat I Can't Get Out of My Mind

This article first appeared in the October 21, 2023 issue of Dinogo’s Travel newsletter, where Dinogo’s editors and writers share their insights on navigating the world’s tastiest destinations. Subscribe today.

Last summer, seeking cooler weather and breathtaking landscapes, my best friend and I journeyed to Dublin for a week of adventures in the Emerald Isle. Our real exploration kicked off in Northern Ireland, where we spent a few days delving into the region's complex political past, the stunning views along the Causeway Coastal Route, and, of course, the delicious local cuisine.

After a few days on the northern coast, we set off by car to head south. Our first destination was Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, home to St. George’s Market, one of Europe’s oldest continuously operating open-air markets, established in 1604. Every Saturday, local vendors showcase produce, baked goods, and freshly made sandwiches, making it a must-visit for us.

As I stepped into St. George’s, I paid £1 for an oyster harvested that morning and shucked right before my eyes, instantly realizing I was in a truly unique place. I savored a hearty breakfast sandwich piled high with potatoes, mushrooms, sausage, and an egg on top of a Belfast bap, the city's famous crusty roll. I also bought some of the freshest strawberries I've ever tasted from a woman who grew them in her own garden. Then, I discovered the chewy, crunchy dessert that has lingered in my thoughts for months: a coconut-dusted tray of Fifteens.

Fifteens derive their name from the incredibly straightforward recipe: 15 digestive biscuits, typically store-bought McVities, 15 glace cherries, and 15 fluffy marshmallows, all crushed or chopped as needed and mixed with a can of sweetened condensed milk. The mixture is then shaped into a log or pressed into a tray, coated in fine coconut shreds. As they set, the sweetened condensed milk softens the cookie crumbs, blending beautifully with the marshmallows and cherries for a chewy, wonderfully gooey treat. At this particular stall, the fifteens were served in thick squares, each dotted with bits of cherry and marshmallow.

Naturally, I purchased two and enjoyed them a few hours later while relaxing in the lush rose garden at Kilkenny Castle, marveling at how this grand structure, built in 1260, has endured through the ages. I found myself pondering why fifteens aren’t more widely recognized beyond this region. They are undeniably a fantastic dessert. While they may lack the complexity or visual appeal of something like a vibrant macaron, they exemplify how a no-bake treat can exceed the sum of its ingredients.

Since returning home, I’ve thought about fifteens at least once a week. I’ve Googled recipes, but finding digestives and glace cherries in Texas is quite a challenge. However, I am so close to caving in and placing an expensive order on a specialty grocery website, just to recreate the memory of sitting in a beautiful Irish rose garden, savoring that perfect dessert.