DOUBLE CHOCOLATE, RUM RAISIN, FUDGE MELTAWAYS..cookies to please SANTA......COOKIE OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER

These are a "throw back" to the good old days of metal lunch pails and cookies for Santa.
Make a batch and Santa will forgive any naughty cook..and so will any other chocolate lover.
Unlike the original recipe which used Graham crackers, I am using chocolate wafers/chocolate cookies, also try and use a good quality dark chocolate, NOT baking chocolate.

this make a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan and there is NO Baking.

BASE/CRUST

3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups chopped dark chocolate OR semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup cane sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg beaten ( the heat from the chocolate will "cook" the egg.)
3 cups chocolate flavored cookie crumbs* (place the cookies in a sealable plastic bag and smash or roll with a rolling pin to fine crumbs)

* Use any rich cookie but not chocolate coated, all butter shortbread works wonderfully.
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut ( unsweetened if possible) or chopped raw nuts
1/4 tsp sea salt

MELT THE BUTTER AND SUGAR IN A HEAVY BOTTOMED PAN OVER VERY LOW HEAT.

Meanwhile mix and blend together all the other ingredients and then gradually add the melted chocolate-butter mix.
Mix with hands to combine everything well.
Press into the buttered pan, covering the base and 1/2 inch up the sides. Cover with plastic wrap and chill.

THE FILLING:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup cream
3 cups confectioner's/icing/powdered sugar
1 cup raisins soaked in real rum, well drained (soak overnight)
3 tsp rum from the soaked raisins


Cream the butter until light and fluffy and gradually add the sugar, alternatively with the cream and rum.
Fold in the raisins, then spread this over the crumb base and chill for 2 hours

The TOPPING
melt 2 cups dark chopped chocolate or 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips, over very low heat in heavy bottomed pan.
Spread over the filling and do not cover, chill for 2-3 hours, then cover with wax paper and chill overnight.

Next day cut into pieces and serve cold.

These are perfect as a treat, something to serve on the ski slopes, by the fireplace for Santa..keep well hidden or the taste testing elves WILL devour. Also despite what the elves might tell you, these are NOT a food group.

VARIATIONS:
Use ANY good cookie.
Add any chopped nuts...roasted no salt are great too.
Replace the rum raisins with any dried fruit and add milk and or vanilla extract in place of the rum.
Instead of vanilla extract try almond or mint.

For any Vegans, omit the egg and use vegan margarine, and chocolate, also use nut milk in place of cream

FOR SUMMER  add fresh berries to the melted chocolate, before chilling overnight.