Oatmeal Caramelitas

Decadent oatmeal cookie bars with caramel, chocolate chips and walnuts.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups plus 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour - divided use
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 (12-ounce) jar caramel topping

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease bottom and sides of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
2. Combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt and butter in a large bowl. Firmly press half the mixture into the bottom of baking dish; reserve remaining half for the top. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and walnuts over the crust.
4. Mix the caramel topping with the 6 tablespoons flour, mixing well. Drizzle caramel mixture over the chocolate chips and nuts. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel. Bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes.
5. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Makes 24 bars.