When Frito-Lays asked me to write a blog about a recipe that reminded me of home, it took me a bit too really think about it. Then I came up with a treat my mother use to make a Christmas time. We are from Canada and from what I remember when we came to the States, nobody had heard about these yummy “cookie” bars. What they are called is Nanaimo bars. They are this decedent treat. Whenever I go back to Canada to visit my relatives I make sure to pick up the secret ingredient (Bird’s custard mix) you can use other custard (pudding) mixes, but it just isn’t the same. These bars are one of my favorite things to make during the holiday 1 – because they are different and 2 – they remind me of my family and growing up in Canada.
Recipe
Ingredients
For bottom layer:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg, beaten
1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup toasted coconut
For middle layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cream
2 tablespoons bird’s custard (if you must use - vanilla pudding mix)
2 cups powdered sugar
For top layer:
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
Directions
Make the bottom layer: Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler. Add egg and stir to cook and thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8" x 8" pan.
1. Make the middle layer: Cream butter, cream, custard powder, and icing sugar together well. Beat until light spread over bottom layer in pan.
2. Make top layer: Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator, Once hardened, cut into small (they are so rich) bars.
I hope you enjoy my recipe.
So back to Frito-Lay they have created these really cool chips! They are regionally inspired. http://www.fritolay.com/lays/regionally-inspired-flavors.html You have to check them out, I know I will. I look most forward to trying the Balsamic Sweet Onion (it just makes my mouth water typing it) and the Garden Tomato and Basil, can we say summer!!!, which I wish would stick around for a little bit, maybe with these chips I will think it did.
I hope you try the chips and my Taste of home recipe. Check back soon for a giveaway sponsored by Frito-Lays.
Note: Frito-Lay is providing me with chips and that this blog post is a form of entry for the contest they are holding
