My mom got this recipe 30 years ago from a friend of hers who was from Australia. I don't know if this is an Australian dessert, I have heard that it is similar to a Canadian dessert called Nanaimo bars, though. This is a Christmas tradition in my family, but is wonderful anytime!
Place pan in the freezer to set while preparing the next layer.
04Second Layer - Mix the first three ingredients together, using enough milk to make a stiff, frosting-like consistency.
05If desired, add a drop of yellow food coloring.
06Do not add too much milk, you want the mixture to be pretty stiff, but still spreadable.
07Remove the pan from the freezer and scrape the second layer onto the first, spreading as evenly as possible, and then using your hands to press down to smooth.
08Return pan to freezer.
09Third Layer - Melt the chocolate chips together with the butter. You can use a double boiler, but I have had good luck using a small saucepan and very low heat, with stirring.
10Remove the pan from the freezer.
11Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the second layer.
12Working quickly (before the chocolate sets), spread the chocolate layer evenly.
13Return the pan to the freezer for no more than a few minutes. You want the chocolate to begin to set before you cut the bars – but if you wait too long, the chocolate will be too hard and you won't be able to cut through it without it breaking. The point at which the chocolate loses its shine and takes on a dull appearance is the right time to remove the pan from the freezer and cut into small squares.
14After cutting, return to the freezer to harden completely, then remove from the pan.