OATMEAL CARMELITAS

I was making these to deliver to a friend. Unfortunately I completely forgot they were in the oven - so I'm not sure how long they baked for - I was probably distracted by our huge laundry pile. The edges were a little crispy, but the rest of the bars were edible, and my friend was very gracious.

OATMEAL CARMELITAS

2 cups flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted
1 (12 ounce) package of semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 (14 ounce) package of caramels
1/3 cup half and half

Heat oven to 350F.
Stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add butter, stirring until mixture is crumbly. Reserve half of mixture (about 2 3/4 cups). Press remaining half of mixture into bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9 inch pan. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate morsels.
Microwave caramels and half and half in a microwave safe bowl, for 2 minutes. Stir and microwave for 1 to 3 more minutes or until mixture is smooth. Pour evenly over chocolate morsels. Sprinkle evenly with reserved crumb mixture.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, November 2006
www.southernliving.com/food/‎