Nanaimo Bars (from Laura)

This came from my friend Laura, the queen of sinful desserts:

Here is a recipe I recently made. Since it is a popular Canadian treat, I used the Olympics as an excuse to finally make it (I had found the recipe months ago). They are named for the town of Nanaimo, just outside of Vancouver. Everyone loved them, though they are very sweet. I tweaked the top ganache layer from the standard recipe, but otherwise it is typical. If you think it is worth posting be my guest.

Bottom Layer

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup finely chopped almonds or walnuts
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Middle Layer

½ cup unsalted butter
2-3 Tbsp. cream or milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp. vanilla pudding (the original calls for custard powder, which can be found in Indian grocery stores)
2 cups icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)

Top Layer

6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 C milk or cream (approx.)

Make the Bottom: Melt first 3 ingredients in a double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 9″ x 9″ pan.

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

Make the Topping: Melt chocolate and milk in microwave, stirring until smooth. Cool. Once cooled, but still liquidy, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator till the topping solidifies, about 1 hour.