Nanaimo bars

A dish many British Columbia families make is Nanaimo bars. They are a no-bake layered square named for the town of Nanaimo. They appear at bake sales, birthdays, and holidays.

What you need

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons custard powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons butter

How to make it

• Melt the first butter, sugar, and cocoa in a pot. Stir until smooth.

• Add the beaten egg. Cook one minute more. Take off the heat.
• Stir in the crumbs, coconut, and walnuts.
• Press the mix into a greased 8-inch pan. Chill.
• Beat the next butter, icing sugar, custard powder, and milk until fluffy.
• Spread the custard layer over the base. Chill again.

• Melt the chocolate and the last butter. Spread it on top.
• Chill until firm. Cut into squares.

How it is served

• They are cut into small squares and set on a plate.
• One or two is a serving. They are rich.
• They keep in the fridge for several days.
• People take them to potlucks and parties.
• They are an everyday treat, not only for holidays.