Nanaimo Bars

         Nanaimo Bars

(A Canadian Christmas treat!  It wouldn't be Christmas without them!  I had my first Nanaimo bar when I spent Christmas in British Columbia with my in-laws - it's been a family favorite and most requested Christmas treat )

For the Base:

3/4 c. softened butter

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 c. baking cocoa

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

3 c. crushed graham crackers ( about 2 cellophane packages)

3/4 c. chopped walnuts

1 1/2 c. coconut

In double boiler mix butter, sugar, eggs and cocoa.  Cook and stir until it looks like custard.  Take off heat and add vanilla.  Add coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and nuts.  Mix until all dry ingredients are well coated.  Press firmly and evenly on bottom of 9x13 pan.

Filling:  

9 Tbsp. butter

6 Tbsp.  Birds custard powder  ( or can use 7oz. instant Vanilla pudding powder- it will change the taste though - you can buy the Bird's custard powder thru a European distributor, although some stores will carry it)

4 1/2  c. powder sugar

2/3 c. milk 

Cream butter in medium bowl.  Mix pudding powder and powder sugar together and add to butter along with milk.  Beat until it resembles icing (will be thick).  Spread evenly over base and chill about 15 min.  You don't want mixture too stiff.

Topping:  

8 Tbsp. cream

2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (if the topping cracks when you cut it - you will need to add more cream to this the next time you make it)

Heat cream on top of double boiler.  Add chocolate chips, and stir constantly to make smooth chocolate topping.  Spread melted chocolate quickly and evenly over top.  Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.  Keep in refrigerator.