Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars

Named after the West-Coast city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Nanaimo bars, a layered pudding dessert bar, are a Canadian favorite.

Recipe Ingredients:

Base:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 large egg
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk

Topping:
1 cup (6-ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

Cooking Directions:

1. For Base: In saucepan over low heat, cook butter, sugar, cocoa and egg until thickened and smooth, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add graham cracker crumbs, coconut, peanuts and vanilla; mix well. Press evenly into buttered 9-inch square dish. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
2. For Filling: Mix well together and spread over base layer. Refrigerate 15 minutes.
3. For Topping: Melt chocolate and shortening over hot water. (Or melt chocolate with shortening in microwave at 50% power for 3 minutes, stirring once.) Spread over filling layer. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
4. Storage: Bars keep for 2 weeks, covered, in refrigerator.

Makes 16 bars.