pat's Recipe

Chocolate Caramel Bars

Category: Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups cold butter
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1 jar (12 ounces) caramel ice cream topping

In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Set half aside for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13-in x 9-in x2-in baking pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and pecans. Whisk the caramel topping and remaining flour until smooth; drizzle over the top. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 18-20 minutes for until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before cutting.

yield: about 4 1/2 dozen