Nanaimo Bars

I made these for a Valentine's Day potluck so I added pink food coloring to the second layer to be festive. They're pretty easy, especially if you do the first and third layers in the microwave. Eat this one in moderation!

Bottom Layer

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp. baking cocoa
1 egg beaten
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. finely slivered almonds
1 cup shredded coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients in top of double boiler or in the microwave. Add the egg and stir to cook and thicken. (If using the microwave, be sure to put the mixture back in to get the egg cooked.) Remove from heat. Stir in crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Press firmly into an ungreased 8″ x 8″ pan.

Second Layer
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp. + 2 Tsp. cream
2 Tbsp. cook and serve vanilla pudding powder
2 cups confectioner's sugar

Cream butter, cream, pudding powder, and confectioner's sugar. Beat until light. Add food coloring if desired and spread over bottom layer.

Third Layer
4oz semi-sweet chocolate
2 Tbsp. butter
Melt chocolate and butter over low heat or microwave. Cool. Once cool, but still liquid, pour over second layer and chill in refrigerator. Slice with a warm knife when ready to serve.