caramel bars

a bag of caramels has been sitting in the cupboard begging to be used.

tomorrow i'm taking treats to c's "boo ridge" (view ridge carnival), and thought i'd do something to complement the kid-friendly-non-chocolate-cupcakes.

i've had versions of this caramel bar recipe before

and was excited to find it in "keeping up", pg. 240.

they are rich and gooey and the perf combo of caramel, choc, and oats.

the boys gave their stamp of approval and i managed to take care of the edges...my fave.

janice & joni's BFF caramel bars

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup flour

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

mix butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, soda and salt. press 3/4 of oat mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

1 (14 oz) package kraft caramels, unwrapped

3 tablespoons cream (or half & half)

3 tablespoons butter

2 cups milk chocolate chips

while crust is baking, melt the caramels, cream and butter over low heat or in a double boiler. pour melted mixture over crust. sprinkle with chocolate chips and crumble remaining oat mixture on top. bake at 350 degrees for an additional 15 minutes. cool before slicing.