Nanaimo Bars

• I have seen these bars on various blogs lately, and by no means are mine the prettiest, but these are just soooo yummy that I had to share this recipe. Apparently the bars are originally from Canada and have been slowly making their way down South. I've only met a couple of other people in Kentucky who have even heard of them, but my Canadian friends know this stuff and speak very highly of it.

If you are looking for a yummy, no-bake treat, don't let the 3 separate layers scare you away. These are totally worth it. And super easy. I brought them to an economics study group and I am pretty sure the only reason that 10 people did not eat the entire 8x8 pan is because they are just so good and rich that you don't need but a tiny piece to be satisfied.

Nanaimo Bars

(generic recipe that is easily found online)

• 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 butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons custard powder
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
  • 2 teaspoons butter

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, and coconut. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8 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 at least 15 minutes.
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 small (1inch x 1inch even) squares.