CHOCOLATE MINT NANAIMO BARS

These bars are a tasty dessert or snack to have. Cut them in small pieces and serve them right after dinner for a tasty little treat! VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJYoqgAnMm8

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 12 BARS

Ingredients

• 1  cup dark chocolate
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1 1⁄4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1  cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 1⁄2 cup walnuts, finely chopped (substitute pecans)
• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, soften
• 1  tablespoon cornstarch
• 1  teaspoon  peppermint extract
• 1⁄8 teaspoon sea salt
• 2  tablespoons milk
• 1  tablespoon  green food coloring
• 3⁄4 cup  dark chocolate chips
• 1⁄4 cup  mint chocolate chips
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Lightly grease 8 x 8 dish and set aside. In the top of a double boiler, melt chocolate chips with butter into smooth. Remove from the heat and add graham crumbs, coconut flakes and walnuts; stir until well blended. Transfer mixture to prepared dish, pressing down to the bottom. Chill bottom layer for 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, cornstarch, peppermint extract, sea salt, milk and food coloring. Beat ingredients until smooth. Add more natural green food coloring until desired color; process until completely combined. Spread evenly over the cooled base and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. In the top of a bain-marie, add dark chocolate chips & mint chocolate &, butter and vanilla extract. Stir until mixture is melted and smooth – DON’T make it hot. Spread evenly topping over mint layer. Cool for about 15 minutes and cut into squares. Makes 12 bars.