OATMEAL-CARAMEL BARS

OATMEAL-CARAMEL BARS image

Yield 24 bar

Number Of Ingredients 10

11/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
2/3 cup butter, melted
25 vanilla caramels
2 tbs butter
1 tbs milk
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan; set aside. In a bowl combine oats, flour, brown sugar and baking soda. Stir in the 2/3 cup melted butter; combine well. Set aside 1 cup of the oat mixture for topping. Press remaining oat mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile in a small heavy saucepan, combine caramels, the 2 tablespoons butter and the milk. Cook over low heat just until melted. Carefully spread mixture over baked crust. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate pieces, and reserved oat mixture. Bake about 20 minutes more or until top is golden. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Use foil to lift bars from pan; cut into small rectangles. Makes 24