Shelly's Recipe

CARAMEL APPLE BARS

Category: Bars

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 1/2 cups coarsely chopped, peeled tart apples, about 3 medium
3 tbsp flour
1 (14 oz) bag caramels

Heat oven to 400. Mix first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in flour and next 3 ingredients. Reserve 2 cups mixture and press remaining mixture in an ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan.

Toss apples with 3 tbsp flour; spread over mixture in pan. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and pour evenly over apples. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Cut into bars while still warm. Store covered in refrigerator.