CARAMEL CANDY BARS

1 pkg (14-oz) caramels
1/2 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup soft butter
1 pkg (6-oz) milk chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan; set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the caramels with the milk in the microwave, stirring every few seconds until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. This may also be done using a double boiler, if you prefer. Set mixture aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt and egg; stir in the butter (melted or softened) until crumbly. Press half the mixture over the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Remove crust from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips and nuts over the top. Drizzle the caramel over the chips and nuts. Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over all. Bake at 350 degrees 22-25 minutes.

Cool before cutting into bars.

Note: File Photo