Nanaimo Bars (Canadian Candy)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (250 mL) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) sweetened flaked coconut or shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) finely chopped walnut halves
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, melted1 egg, lightly beaten

Filling:

• 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter
• 2 tbsp. (30 mL) custard powder
• 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) vanilla2 cups (500 mL)
• icing sugar
• 2 tbsp. (30 mL) milk, (approx.)

Topping:

• 4 oz. (113 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp. (15 mL) butter
  

Directions:

1. In bowl, stir together graham crumbs, coconut, walnuts, cocoa powder and sugar.
2. Drizzle with butter and egg; stir until combined.
3. Press crumb mixture into parchment paper–lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square metal cake pan.
4. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven until firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack.

Filling:

1. In bowl, beat together butter, custard powder and vanilla.
2. Beat in icing sugar alternately with milk until smooth, adding up to 1 tsp (5 mL) more milk if too thick to spread.
3. Spread over cooled base; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Topping:

1. In heatproof bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate with butter.
2. Spread over filling; refrigerate until almost set, about 30 minutes.
3. With tip of knife, score into bars; refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 1 hour.
4. Cut into bars.