Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars
Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars
ingredients
For the Base:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cup graham wafer crumbs
1/4 cup coconut
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, finely chopped
For the Middle Layer:
1/2 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter (try natural peanut butter, for all the peanut-y taste without adding more sweetness)
2 cups icing (confectioners) sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
For the Top Layer:
2 tablespoons butter
4 ounces (squares) semi sweet chocolate
method
For the Base Layer:
In a saucepan mix together butter, sugar and the beaten egg. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened.
In a large bowl mix together the graham wafer crumbs, coconut and finely chopped peanuts. Add the butter egg mixture and mix well. Press evenly into an foil or parchment lined 8-inch square pan and chill for 15 minutes. (*Tip: for firm, even layers, use a small object with a flat bottom like a drinking glass, to tamp down the bottom and middle layers).
For the Middle Layer:
Beat together peanut butter, butter, icing sugar, and milk until smooth. (I like to do a taste test and sometimes add a bit more peanut butter). Spread over the base. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.
For the Top Layer:
Melt chocolate and butter together in a double-boiler over hot water or in the microwave. Spread over middle layer. Chill until firm and then cut into squares. (*These aren't the easiest squares to cut without cracking the chocolate layer. I had the best luck using a serated knife and very gently "sawing" through the top chocolate layer. In hindsight, it may have been better to let them sit at room temperature a bit before cutting, to soften the top chocolate layer before cutting. I'll try that next time!)
http://www.fortysomething.ca/2010/01/peanut_butter_nanaimo_bars.php