Oatmeal Carmelitas...YUM

Crust - note, only half of this is used for the crust, the other half will be sprinkled on top

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups margarine or 1 1/4 cups butter, softened

Filling

• 1 (12 1/2 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping (1 cup)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (6 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

• Directions:

  Prep Time: 10 mins

  Total Time: 40 mins

  1. 1 Heat oven to 350*.
  2. 2 Grease 13x9 inch pan.
  3. 3 In large bowl, blend all crust ingredients at low speed until crumbly.
  4. 4 Press half of crumb mixture, about 3 cups, in bottom of greased pan.
  5. 5 Reserve remaining crumb mixture for topping.
  6. 6 Bake at 350* for 10 minutes.
  7. 7 Meanwhile, in small bowl combine caramel topping and 3 tbls.
  8. 8 flour; set aside.
  9. 9 Sprinkle warm crust with chocolate chips and nuts.
  10. 10 Drizzle evenly with caramel mixture; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
  11. 11 Return to oven and bake an additional 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. 12 Cool completely.
  13. 13 Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until filling is set.
  14. 14 Cut into bars.