A Little Dash Of Canada in Thanksgiving

For as long as I can remember, Nanaimo Bars have been a feature at every family holiday dessert table. The mere mention of the name can cause my overseas brothers to groan in jealous delight. :-)

They come from my homeland of Canada and are devilish little morsels, chock full of butter and chocolate and more butter.

So on this most American of holidays, I wish my Yankee friends HAPPY THANKSGIVING and share a little treat from our Canadian Thanksgiving holidays.

Nanaimo Bars
Recipe from Company's Coming - 150 Delicious Squares!


Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 large egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup fine coconut

Middle Layer:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder
2 cups icing sugar

Topping:
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 4 ounces chocolate
4 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions:

Bottom Layer:

• Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler or heavy saucepan.
• Add egg & stir to cook & thicken.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in remaining ingredients& press firmly into an ungreased 9 x 9-inch pan.

Middle Layer:

• Cream all ingredients together; beat until light.
• Spread over bottom layer.

Topping:

• Melt chips & butter over low heat; cool.
• When cooled but still runny, spread over middle layer.
• Chill in refrigerator. Use a very sharp knife to cut into squares.