Caramel Oat Bars
Ingredients:
- flour - 3/4 cup
- quick cooking oats - 1 1/2 cups
- salt - pinch
- baking soda - 1/4 t
- packed, light brown sugar - 3/4 cup
- butter, soft - 1 1/2 sticks
- semi sweet chocolate chips - 1/3 cup
- butter - 2 T plus 2 t
- Kraft caramel bits - 1 1/3 cups OR 32 caramels
- toasted chopped walnuts - 1/2 cup
- semi sweet chocolate chips - 1/3 cup
Instructions:
In a bowl mix flour, oats, salt, baking soda and brown sugar together. Stir in 1 1/2 sticks butter and thoroughly mix.
Press a little more then half the oat mixture into a buttered foil lined 8 x 8 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/3 cup chocolate chips on. Place reserved mixture in the refrigerator. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes or until set. Cool for 15 minutes.
Melt 2 T plus 2 t butter, add caramel and stir until caramel is melted. Stir walnuts into caramel. Pour mixture over the base. Sprinkle chilled reserved crumb mixture on top and return to oven and bake for 10 - 12 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Cool completely before cutting.