Orange Nanaimo Bars

Directions

1. 1
   First, make base.
2. 2
   Put butter or margarine, cocoa and sugar into a saucepan and cook, over medium heat, until butter melts and sugar dissolves; stir occasionally.
3. 3
   Whisk egg and then SLOWLY whisk butter mixture into beaten egg; then put mixture back into same saucepan.
4. 4
   Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes or until smooth; remove from heat.
5. 5
   Stir in crumbs, nuts, coconut and orange rind; combine well then scrape into a 9-inch cake pan (8-inch works as well); spread evenly and even use your fingers to press down; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. 6
   Now make the middle.
7. 7
   With an electric mixer, beat custard powder into butter, then beat in orange juice concentrate and rind.
8. 8
   With your mixer on low, beat in icing sugar, a bit at a time, and the food colouring if you're using it.
9. 9
   Spread over the chilled base and refrigerate for 1 hour or until set.
10. 10
    Now make the top.
11. 11
    Chop chocolate coarsely and heat in a small pan, along with the butter, until melted and smooth; stir often.
12. 12
    Pour over the middle layer, spreading evenly; return to refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
13. 13
    Once firm, cover with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until serving.
14. 14
    With a sharp knife, cut into bars to serve.