Chocolate Caramel Bars

Mmmm.
These are so wonderfully perfect,
and so easy to make.

2 1/4 cup flour

2 cups quick oats

1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1-1/2 cups cold butter or margarine

2 cups milk chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

1 jar caramel sauce*

.

Combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Cut in butter with a fork till crumbly.

Set half of mixture aside.

Press remaining into a greased 13X9 pan.

.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans.

Whisk caramel sauce and remaining 1/4 cup flour till smooth.

Drizzle over top and add the rest of the crumb mixture.

.

Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool on wire rack for several hours before serving.

.

* If you do not have caramel topping you can use this substitute instead:

1 cube margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup karo syrup

Boil 2 minutes.

Remove from burner.

add:

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup flour

stir till mixed well.