Shelly's Recipe

Turtle Walnut Chocolate Swirl Bars

Category: Bars

1 c. softened butter
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. unbleached or all-purpose flour
1 1/4 c. ground oats
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Put the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy, approximately one (1) minute on medium speed.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on low for approximately one (1) minute and then on medium until fluffy.

Add the flour, ground oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Beat on low until well blended, but do not over mix.

Spread dough in a greased 9 x 13 pan and evenly sprinkle 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips over the dough. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 7 minutes.

Take the bars out of the oven. Take a knife or the opposite end of a spoon and swirl the melted chocolate chips through the warm dough. Put the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 22-25 minutes or until golden brown, and the dough in the middle does not juggle when you tap the side of the pan.

Caramel Sauce:
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. corn syrup (Tip: spray the measuring cup and the corn syrup will slide out easily)
1/2 t. salt

In a saucepan over medium heat combine the above ingredients.

Bring them to a simmer over medium heat. Lower the heat so that it stays at a simmer and cook stirring constantly for an additional 2 minutes.

Pour hot caramel over the hot bars and spread evenly with a spatula.

Chop 1/2 c. walnuts in a mini food processor or by hand. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the caramel, cut into bars and enjoy!