Oatmeal Carmelitas

This is another new recipe I tried and the squares are absolutely delicious.

I think they would be a perfect lunchbox treat or after school snack.

Crust

2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats

1-1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1-1/4 cups margarine or butter, softened

Filling

1 cup caramel ice cream topping

3 Tbsp all purpose flour

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 13x9-inch pan.  In large bowl, blend all crust ingredients at low speed until crumbly.  Press half of crumb mixture, about 3 cups in bottom of greased pan.  Reserve remaining crumb mixture for topping.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, in small bowl combine caramel topping and 3 Tbsp flour; set aside.  Sprinkle warm crust with chocolate chips and nuts.  Drizzle evenly with caramel mixture; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Return to oven and bake an additional 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool completely.  

Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until filling is set.  Cut into bars.

Enjoy!