Nanaimo Bar - Legendary

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According to local legend about 35 years ago, a Nanaimo BC housewife entered her recipe for chocolate squares in a magazine contest. In a burst of civic pride, she chose to name them "Nanaimo Bars". The entry won a prize, thereby publishing the town as much as her cooking. In 1986, Nanaimo Mayor initiated a contest to find the ultimate Nanaimo Bar Recipe. The winner: Joyce Hardcastle, this is her recipe.

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  • 16

Ingredients

  • Bottom Layer:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (European style cultured)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 5 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 1/4 cup graham wafer crumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
  • 1 cup coconut
  • Second Layer:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoon and 2 teaspoon cream
  • 2 tablespoon vanilla custard powder
  • 2 cups icing sugar
  • Third Layer:
  • 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate (1 oz. each)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Preparation

Step 1

Bottom Layer:
Melt first 3 ingredients in top of 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 Layer:
Cream butter, cream, custard powder and icing sugar together well. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer.
Third Layer:
Melt chocolate and butter overlow heat. Cool. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator.

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