Nanaimo Bars

I made Nanaimo Bars last night and they turned out just the way I remember them. Nanaimo bars are huge in Canada…I think mostly on the West Coast. I can’t remember a Christmas where my Grandma “L” didn’t make them. Such great memories!! JB had never had one before so I thought he should definitely try one. He is marrying into a Canadian family after all…I must show him all things Canadian!!

Original recipe makes 1 – 8×8 inch pan

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (optional)

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons custard powder, (hard to find in US) see substitute here
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
• 2 teaspoons butter

Directions

1. In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and almonds (if you like). Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8×8 inch pan.
2. For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
3. While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat. Spread over the chilled bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.

ENJOY!!

A+D

(Image via Ginger Bakes)