My SIL in Sept-Iles Quebec makes these for me everytime we come to visit her. The recipe always looked complicated, but I tried it here at home yesterday and it was so easy. But a kind warning...these are TOO GOOD! Don't blame me if they all get eaten at once.

CHOCOLATE FINGERS
(taken from Canadian Living magazine, December 29, 1993)

INGREDIENTS
BASE:
1 pkg (400g) digestive biscuits (you can substitute 1-3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs)
½ cup finely chopped nuts

½ cup butter
½ cup granulated sugar (my SIL uses Splenda)
½ cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Tbsp instant coffee granules
1 Tbsp hot water

2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp vanilla

GLAZE:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp shortening (Crisco seems to work best…butter apparently is not as smooth)

INSTRUCTIONS
Line 8-inch square pan with waxed or parchment paper, leaving enough paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.

BASE:
1. Using food processor or rolling pin, crush biscuits until in fine crumbs (or save yourself the time and trouble by just using graham cracker crumbs!) Transfer to bowl and add nuts.

2. In saucepan or bowl set over simmering water: melt butter; whisk in sugar and cocoa.

3. Dissolve coffee in water; add to pan and cook over simmering water, whisking for 1 minute or until thickened and sugar is dissolved.

4. Whisk in eggs and vanilla; cook, whisking, for 4-5 minutes or until thickened slightly. Remove from heat.

5. With fork, stir in crumb mixture. Mix well (I use my fingers)

6. Press firmly into prepared pan (lined with wax paper). Cover and refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.

GLAZE: (don’t prepare this until base is cooled and ready)
1. In saucepan over simmering water, stir chocolate with shortening until melted and smooth.

2. Pour over base, spreading evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate until set.

4. Using waxed paper as handles, lift square from pan. Cut into small squares or fingers.

5. Keep covered in refrigerator. These will keep for several days - but only if you keep them hidden!

They also freeze well. It's especially delightful if you forget you put them there and then one gloomy day suddenly find them again!

(Per finger: about 175 calories, 2 g protein, 11 g fat, 18 g carbohydrate)

[ January 30, 2006, 08:48 PM: Message edited by: Eagle Heart ]