My bestestest childhood friend Stacey is flying to visit me from Canada. She will be here for Canada Day on July 1, which is our version of the Fourth of July and when Canadians celebrate the anniversary of Confederation–when Canada became a country separate from the British Empire.
Our traditions are very similar: BBQs, outdoor fun and fireworks (but with a whole lot of maple leaves) so I asked Stacey what Canadian-inspired dishes she would like for our menu. She suggested one of Canada’s favorite confections, Nanaimo Bars, and I could not have been more thrilled. I grew up in Calgary and we spent many summer vacations on Vancouver Island visiting the beautiful city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, the home of Nanaimo Bars.
And what’s not to love? Nanaimo Bars consist of a graham-cracker bottom layer topped by a layer of light vanilla custard flavored butter icing, which is covered with melted chocolate. There are many different varieties–you can mix up the crumb layer and adapt the creme layer to whatever fits your fancy (mint, peanut butter, coconut or mocha are popular).
For me, I prefer the traditional Nanaimo Bars and I know you will, too!
[yumprint-recipe id=’23’]
Jesse
OHMYGOSH, these look amazing. I’m not Canadian but these may make a canuck out of me.
Amber
They are amazing and so adaptable. I personally love coconut so put extra coconut in my bottom layer and instead of vanilla custard, I add some coconut extract. Fun to play around with the recipe.