Nanaimo Bars (by Margaret Ullrich)

Along with enjoying the many clinics and rail hops, out-of-town guests at Steam on the Prairies got their first taste of a Canadian delicacy, Nanaimo Bars. 

They were good sports about it.  Maybe all the potato salad and pulled pork lulled them into a sense of security.  But, after a few bites, they realized they weren't just eating a chocolate cookie.  There were some definite mumblings - "Coconut?  Whipped cream?" - while they ate dessert.  They even asked a few locals "What's in this?" 

So, to answer their questions, and to add a little something to everyone else's files, here's the recipe.

       Nanaimo Bars

Bottom Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

1 egg, beaten

1 1/4 cups graham wafer crumbs

1 cup coconut

1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Melt first 3 ingredients in the top of a double boiler.  Add egg and stir to cook and thicken.  Remove from heat.  Stir in crumbs, coconut and nuts.  Press firmly into an ungreased 8x8 inch pan.

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Second layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons cream

2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (Bird's is available on most stores)

2 cups icing sugar

Cream ingredients together.  Beat until light.  Spread over bottom layer.

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Third layer:

4 (1 oz.) squares semi-sweet chocolate

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat or in microwave.  Cool.  When cooled but still liquid pour over second layer.  Chill in refrigerator.  Cut into bars.

Have a great day.  How can you miss - you're in Winnipeg!