Nanaimo Bars

Canada is a multicultural country. So, I have tried different kinds of foods, desserts and pastries from all over the world. But, now it's time to introduce the original dessert of Canada, Nanaimo Bars.

Nanaimo Bar is named after the west coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. 

Thanks to hiddenponies.com for this great recipe.

Ingredients for base:

- 3/4 cup butter

-1/4 cup sugar

-6 tablespoons cocoa

-1 egg

-1 tablespoon milk

- teaspoon vanilla

-2 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 1 cup coconut

-1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Ingredients for middle layer:

- 1/2 cup butter

- 6 tablespoons milk

- 4 tablespoons custard powder

- 4 cups icing sugar

Ingredients for top layer:

- 8 oz semisweet chocolate

-1 tablespoon butter

Base:

In a saucepan combine butter, sugar, milk, cocoa, vanilla and egg. Heat and Stir over medium-low heat until smooth. Remove from heat.

Stir in graham crumbs, coconut and walnuts and pack firmly into ungreased 9x13" pan.

Chill in the fridge until you prepare the middle layer. 

Middle Layer:

In a large bowl beat the butter, milk, custard powder and icing sugar until smooth.

Spread over the first layer and chill for an hour.

Top Layer:

Finely chop the chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl that fits snuggly in a saucepan.

Half-fill saucepan with water and bring to a simmer. Place bowl on top, making sure it doesn't touch water (or it will overheat).

Stir with a metal spoon until melted and smooth.

Spread fairly evenly over middle layer. Chill for 1 hour.

Use a sharp knife score the chocolate. Put the knife in warm water and cut into bars.

Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee or a glass of milk.