Nanaimo Bar

On our recent fishing trip to Telegraph Cove in British Columbia, Canada, we grabbed a bite to eat while waiting for the ferry to take us from Tsawwassen, B.C. to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island (a two hour trip). It was here that I was introduced to and tasted my first Nanaimo Bar. Can I just say that they are to die for!!

The Nanaimo Bar is a dessert of Canadian origin. Named after the West-Coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Nanaimo Bars are chocolate, no-bake squares consisting of a wafer crumb base layer, topped by a layer of light vanilla custard flavored butter icing, that is topped with melted chocolate squares. Many varieties are possible by using different types of crumb, flavors of icing, and types of chocolate, but the original Nanaimo Bar recipe still stands as a favorite...

THE ORIGINAL NANAIMO BAR

Bottom Layer
1/2 cup unsalted butter (Euro-style cultured)
1/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 3/4 cup graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup coconut

Melt first three ingredients in the top of a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken . Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8 X 8 pan.

Second Layer1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp. and 2 tsp. of cream
2 tbsp. vanilla custard powder
2 cup icing sugar

Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer

Third Layer4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz each)
2 tbsp. unsalted butter

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.

You can find other recipes for mint, peanut butter, and mocha flavored bars by Googling Nanaimo Bars. You won't be sorry you did...

P.S. You can get Bird's Custard Powder at the Many Lands Market, 1145 N. 500 W. in Provo.