Oatmeal Carmelitas

These bars were Uncle Peter’s favorite when we used to send him food while he was in college. They mail well (and don’t crumble).

Crust:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups oats
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups margarine

Filling:

• 6 oz. package chocolate chips (1 cup)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 12 oz. jar caramel ice cream topping
• 3 tablespoons flour

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9” x 13” pan. In large bowl, mix crust ingredients at low speed until crumbly. Press 1/2 mixture (about 3 cups) into pan (not easy, but SO worth it). Bake 12 minutes. Sprinkle warm base with chocolate chips and nuts. Combine caramel topping and 3 tablespoons flour, and drizzle over chocolate chips and nuts. Evenly distribute remaining ‘crust’ on top using flattened spoonfuls. Return to oven and bake 20-25 minutes, until golden. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes 36 bars.