This recipe was passed down to me by my Grandmother...and while I don't think she was came up with it...she absolutely perfected it!
The Legendary Nanaimo Bar
According to local legend about 35 years ago, a Nanaimo housewife entered her recipe for chocolate squares in a magazine contest. In a burst of civic pride, she chose to dub the entry not "Daphne's Delights" or "Mary's Munchies", but "Nanaimo Bars". The entry won a prize, thereby publishing the town as much as her cooking. Some American tourists claim sovereignty over the dessert, referred to as "New York Slice" which is sold in many other places in the world. Nanaimo residents refuse to accept this theory, however, believing that once you set foot on Vancouver Island, there are no other places in the world.
The official Nanaimo Bar recipe was available as a handout as well as on quality tea towel and apron souvenirs. In 1986, Nanaimo Mayor Graeme Roberts, in conjunction with Harbour Park Mall, initiated a contest to find the ultimate Nanaimo Bar Recipe. During the four-week long contest, almost 100 different variations of the famous confectionery were submitted. The winner: Joyce Hardcastle.
Nanaimo (Canadian) Bars
Crust
Combine in medium pan, beat well, and cook over medium heat until well mixed. Cool.
1/3 C butter
1/4 C sugar
3 T cocoa
1 egg
1 ts. vanilla
Then add and mix well:
1 1/2 C crushed graham crackers
1 C shredded coconut
½ C finely chopped almonds or pecans.
Pat into greased 9x9 pan and refrigerate.
Filling
Mix well and beat until fluffy. Pour over crust and chill.
2 C powdered sugar
1/4 C butter
3 T milk
2 T instant vanilla pudding mix
Topping
Cook over low heat until melted and mixed. Pour on top of chilled filling.
3 T water
1 T butter
6 oz. chocolate chips
Store in refrigerator. Cut with sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry.
ENJOY!!