Nanaimo Bars

[mel_s12]

I'm trying to invent Nanaimo Bars (not sure if they are known outside of Canada). Anyways, I figured out the bottom layer, and the top chocolate layer, but the middle cream layer isn't working. I used soaked cashews and coconut meat, but it's too liquidy (only works frozen). In an actual Nanaimo Bar the middle layer has a creamy but somewhat hard consistency. I was thinking bananas but I dont want to have a banana taste. Would agave and vanilla bean/extract cover up the banana taste?

[aililiu]

do the cashews not even work if refrigerated? because nanaimo bars are usually served chilled anyways.

ive wondered before how widely known nanaimo bars are, too :) they were invented here on vancouver island, in nanaimo, werent they? lol. have you ever had tofino bars?

[mel_s12]

I have never had Tofino bars! But I absolutely love that place. Especially for the surfing.

Are you who I think you are? Are you one of my level 1 students?? :D

I have it in the freezer right now and it works frozen. But I'm not sure about the cashew taste. I'm going to try it with Bananas next time.

[sueko]

I LOVE Nanaimo bars, my Irish grandmother learnt of them from my Canadian grandfather. I wonder if a pine nut or macadamia nut with agave and vanilla would work as the custard filling? Cashews are a little too runny when made into cashew butter and pine nuts are very creamy, macs are very sweet. Expensive, though!

[JennaBoBenna]

You could try adding coconut oil to the mixture, that should firm it up. I have no idea what you're talking about though, so, not sure if that's what you're looking for :)

[Raw Jewelrylady]

I remember seeing this post by FG last year...

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=21263&highlight=Nanaimo+Bars

Hope this helps..:)

RJL

[aililiu]

hahah! awesome, hi mel. yes its me. haha.
i need to try making these too... let me know which middle layer works best.

[fjernsyn]

We had them in Port Townsend, WA where I grew up, in some grocery store delis and coffee shops. But then that isn't far from BC at all. I've never seen them in Portland.

[sueko]

You WILL post your final recipe wont you? Please!

[mel_s12]

I will definitely post the final recipe on here! I am determined to make it taste as good or even better as a SAD nanaimo bar.

I think Ill try the macadamia idea with coconut oil and maybe Ill throw in a banana or something too.

Exciiiting :D

Ailiu - I am moving back to BC for good! Wooh. I got my work transfer and will be back on October 1st!

[eachpeachpearplum]

Try Alissas Strawberry Crepes filling! Super thick and yummy!:p

[aililiu]

mel... thats fantastic! im so happy that worked out for you!!

[Cinnamon]

We had them in Port Townsend, WA where I grew up, in some grocery store delis and coffee shops. But then that isn't far from BC at all. I've never seen them in Portland.

I live in Poulsbo and we have them in our Central Market and on Bainbridge Island at Town and Country, they have always been a favorite although I haven't had them in years! And I love Port Townsend, I plan a shopping day there soon!!

I'll have to try a raw version, how delicious this would be!

[fjernsyn]

Cinnamon - I know both of those stores well! My friend and I used to go to concerts in Seattle and we'd stop at Central Market in the middle of the night for snacks. And my step mom works at Churchmouse Yarns right across the street from Town and Country. Small internet!