Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars.  When I came across these in the April & May 2011 issue of Taste of Home Magazine I had no idea what they were.  The picture was inticing and looked delicious, so I took a few minutes to do some research.  I discovered that they originated in Canada and were named after the town of Nanaimo, British Columbia.  Everything I read about them told me they were delicious and would disappear in a flash!  So I took a chance on this new treat and I was not disappointed. 

The bars are made up of three layers.  First there is a chocolatey coconut crust, topped by a creamy vanilla filling, final it is topped with a chocolate drizzle.  Some of the versions I found had the top layer, not as a drizzle but spread completely covering the top.  Also, this recipe called for walnuts in the crust.  We aren’t huge walnut fans, so I omitted them, and I think that they still turned out wonderful.  This may be a new favorite treat for me!!

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and chocolate.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted.  Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs.  Return all to the pan, whisking constantly.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees.  Remove from the heat: stir in the vanilla.

In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and flaked coconut (and walnuts if you desire).  Stir in chocolate mixture until blended.  Press into a greased 15-inch x 10 inch x 1 inch pan.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

For the filling, in a large bowl, beat the butter, milk, and pudding mix until blended.  Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth; spread over crust.

For the glaze, melt chocolate and butter in the microwave; stir until smooth.  You may need to add a splash of milk to get a consistancy for drizzling.  Drizzle over the filling.  Refrigerate until set.  Cut into bars.  ENJOY!

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