Chocolaty Nanaimo Bars

1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Filling
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 T instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups powdered sugar
3 T half-and-half

Topping
1 cup (6 oz) chocolate chips
1 T shortening

Line bottom of 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper.  In a small saucepan, cook and stir butter, sugar and cocoa over medium heat until butter is melted.  Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Cook 2-3 minutes or until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.
Stir in cracker crumbs, coconut and pecans.  Press into prepared pan.  Refrigerate 30 minutes or until cold.
For filling, in a large bowl beat butter and pudding powder until blended.  Beat in powdered sugar and the cream until smooth.  Spread over crust.  Refrigerate, covered, for 1 hour or until filling is firm.
For topping, microwave chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth.  Spread evenly over filling.  Refrigerate 10 minutes or until topping is just set (do not allow the chocolate to completely harden).  Cut into bars.