Surprisingly Simple:)

Nanaimo Bar, a favorite of the males in my family. I've always thought this was a hard bar to make - not sure why - maybe because of the 3 layers? But, this year I thought I'd give it a go and since we won't be celebrating together, it will be a nice surprise in the care packages I'll be delivering to the doorsteps of my family. This bar is surprisingly simple to make - a no bake bar, that's ready in a short amount of time. I found this recipe on the food network site and I love it. The right amount of sweet with a nice, not too sweet top layer of chocolate give it the perfect balance. I've found that when you buy these ready made, they are too sweet (I can't believe I'm saying that because I have a crazy sweet tooth) but this recipe is quite perfect in my opinion. Richly chocolate with that lovely centre topped with chocolate - I think I may be siding with the guys in my family on this one!

Nanaimo Bar

Base layer
Melt together, until mixture is smooth (you can use a double boiler or melt over medium heat being careful not to let it get too hot)
1/2 c. unsalted butter
5 tbsp. cocoa
1/4 c. sugar
add in 1 beaten egg, stirring until thickened (this will look like it's not incorporating but give it a minute and keep stirring - it will turn into a batter like mixture)
Remove from heat and stir in
1 3/4 graham wafer crumbs
1 c. shredded coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds.
Press into an 8x8 pan (Tip** I like to line my pan with parchment paper and then use another piece to press down my base. The parchment makes it easy to remove the square to cut into pieces and the top parchment keeps your hands clean)

2nd layer
Beat together
1/2 c. unsalted butter (room temp)
2 tbsp. + 2 tsp. whipping cream
2 tbsp. vanilla custard powder
Gradually add in
2 c. icing sugar
When smooth and creamy, spread over base layer

Topping
Melt together
4 oz semi sweet chocolate
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
Give it a good stir, let it sit for a minute so not too hot and spread over the 2nd layer.

Pop into the fridge to let set. Remove and cut into squares.

Enjoy!