Custard Powder

[luv2dance]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to make the nanaimo bars recently and I had everything in the house expect custard powder/mix.

I looked the grocery store, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Does anyone know where it is usually located and if there is another name for it?

Thanks in advance.

[LLR]

Here's what Cook's Thesarus says about custard powder:

custard powder Notes: Bird's is a popular brand. Look for this in British specialty markets. Substitutes: instant vanilla pudding mix (Substitute measure for measure).

http://www.foodsubs.com/Sweeten.html

[Gilgamesh37]

Bird's is the best, but it's hard to find in the US. Jello makes one, labelled "American Custard" that should be shelved with the instant puddings. It works great in Nanaimo bars.

[bobmark226]

Hi everyone,
I wanted to make the nanaimo bars recently and I had everything in the house expect custard powder/mix.

I looked the grocery store, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Does anyone know where it is usually located and if there is another name for it?

Thanks in advance.

The only place I've ever seen this is stores that specialize in British or Aussie groceries or have a section for them. Oddly enough, there's one right in my neighborhood. The popular brand is Bird's.
Bob

[sooty]

I have made them before and just use instant vanilla pudding mix. Seems to work fine.

[HealthyinMN]

I've think i've found this at Cost Plus World Market before.

[Chocolate Rose]

I have never been able to find custard powder and have always just substituted instant vanilla pudding. It works just fine! I do have a recipe for Nanaimo bars without the custard powder, too, if you want to give that a try.

[luv2dance]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I will try the instant vanilla pudding if I still can't find it.

Chocolate Rose,
I would love your recipe. Thanks

[MISSINDI]

I use Bird's too. Strangely enough, I can even find it at a local Hispanic grocery store.

[Gecko]

If you want to try it and can't find it in a supermarket this catalog Australian Products Co. (http://www.aussieproducts.com/default.asp) sells it for $3.75 plus shipping. Foster Clarks is my preferred brand from Australia.

http://www.aussieproducts.com/images/DDCP37.gif

[Chocolate Rose]

Chocolate Rose,
I would love your recipe. Thanks

Here you go:

* Exported from MasterCook *

Nanaimo Bars (no custard powder)

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter
4 ounces semisweet chocolate -- divided
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups coconut
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract -- divided
2 cups confectioner's sugar
3 tablespoons butter -- softened
2 1/2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 squares semisweet chocolate -- (1 ounce)

Makes 2 Dozen Bars

Grease a 9 inch square baking pan.

In a heavy saucepan melt 1/2 cup butter 2 ounces of the chocolate. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, egg, oats, chopped nuts, coconut and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Press mixture into prepared pan and chill for 1 hour.

Mix the confectioner's sugar with the softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the milk. Beat until the icing is smooth. Spread it over the oat mixture and chill for 1/2 hour.

Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter with the remaining 2 ounces of chocolate. Spread over the top of the bars and chill for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.

Variation: Add a couple of drops of green food coloring and use mint flavored chocolate chips

Description:
"These delicious cookies are a staple of local cafes in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. These bars freeze well, so it's nice to make extras to keep in the freezer for anytime you want a quick treat. Before cutting the bars, if you dip your knife into hot water to heat it, it will help make the process neater and cut easily through the chocolate."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[luv2dance]

Chocolate Rose,
Thank you so much for the recipe. But of course I have a question on it, being the culinary challenged person I am!!

What kind of rolled oats do you use? Is it the quick cooking ones or something else!

Thanks again!!

[Chocolate Rose]

What kind of rolled oats do you use? Is it the quick cooking ones or something else!Thanks again!!

I'm pretty sure I used "old fashioned rolled oats".
I have a gallon jar each in my pantry of quick oats and rolled oats. I usually alternate between the two if a recipe doesn't specify. It's been a while since I've made these, but since it says rolled oats I think that's probably what I did.