Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars.  When I came across these in the April & May 2011 issue of Taste of Home Magazine I had no idea what they were.  The picture was inticing and looked delicious, so I took a few minutes to do some research.  I discovered that they originated in Canada and were named after the town of Nanaimo, British Columbia.  Everything I read about them told me they were delicious and would disappear in a flash!  So I took a chance on this new treat and I was not disappointed. 

The bars are made up of three layers.  First there is a chocolatey coconut crust, topped by a creamy vanilla filling, final it is topped with a chocolate drizzle.  Some of the versions I found had the top layer, not as a drizzle but spread completely covering the top.  Also, this recipe called for walnuts in the crust.  We aren’t huge walnut fans, so I omitted them, and I think that they still turned out wonderful.  This may be a new favorite treat for me!!

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and chocolate.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted.  Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs.  Return all to the pan, whisking constantly.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees.  Remove from the heat: stir in the vanilla.

In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and flaked coconut (and walnuts if you desire).  Stir in chocolate mixture until blended.  Press into a greased 15-inch x 10 inch x 1 inch pan.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

For the filling, in a large bowl, beat the butter, milk, and pudding mix until blended.  Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth; spread over crust.

For the glaze, melt chocolate and butter in the microwave; stir until smooth.  You may need to add a splash of milk to get a consistancy for drizzling.  Drizzle over the filling.  Refrigerate until set.  Cut into bars.  ENJOY!

This recipe may to linked to these fabulous parties: SUNDAY Sharing Sundays - Everyday Sisters,Sweet Indulgences Sunday - A Well Seasoned Life, Church Supper - Everyday Mom’s Meals, Weekend Warrior Party - Ask Anna Moseley MONDAY Melt In Your Mouth Monday - Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms, Made By You Monday - Skip To My Lou, Mingle Monday - Add A Pinch, Makin’ You Crave Monday - Mrs. Happy Homemaker, Must Try Mondays - My Favorite Finds,Snap, Craft & Blog til Your Heart’s Content - A Content Housewife , More the Merrier Monday - DIY Home Sweet Home  TUESDAY Tasty Tuesday - Nap Time Creations, Totally Tasty Tuesday - Mandy’s Recipe Box, Tuesday Time Out - Reasons to Skip the Housework, Tuesday Talent Show - Chef in Training, Crazy Sweet Tueasday - Crazy For Crust, Tasty Tuesday - 33 Shades of Green, Totally Inspired Tuesdays - The Inspired Collection WEDNESDAY These Chicks Cooked - This Chick Cooks, Recipe Linky - Newlyweds Blog, What I Whipped Up Wednesday - Sugar and Dots, Mrs. Fox’s Sweet Party – Mrs. Fox’s Sweets THURSDAY Sweet Treats Thursday - Something Swanky, It’s a Keeper - Everyday Tastes, Things I’ve Done Thursday - Bear Rabbit Bear, Tastetastic Thursday - A Little Nosh, One Stop Thursday Party - Digital Scrapbooking Made Easy Full Plate Thursday - Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Chic & Crafty Thursdays - The Frugal Girls, Crazy Cute Thursdays – Between U & Me FRIDAY Sweet Tooth Friday - Alli-n-Son, I’m Lovin’ It - Tidy Mom, Fusion Friday - Jane Deere Blog, Friday Favorites - Simply Sweet Home, Friday Flair - Whipperberry, Feature Friday - Blissful and Domestic, 4th Friday Finale - Over The Big Moon, Delicately Constucted Fridays - Delicate Construction, Shine On Friday - One Artsy Mama SATURDAY Seasonal Inspiration - Crumbs and Chaos, Strut Your Stuff Saturday - Six Sister’s Stuff, Show and Tell Saturdays - Be Different Act Normal, Sweets For a Saturday - Sweet As Sugar Cookies, Tip Junkie, Everybody’s Creative Endeavor - Every Creative Endeavor, Tip Junkie, Once Upon A Weekend - Family Ever After, Ingredient Spotlight – Eat At Home Cooks