Caramel Oatmeal Chewies

Melissa Chandler

I don't make these very often because I can eat the whole pan myself! One of my favorites! 1 3/4 c. quick oats 1 3/4 c. flour, divided 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 t. baking soda 1/4 t. salt (optional) 3/4 c. butter or margarine, melted 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz. bag) 1 c. chopped nuts 1 cup caramel ice cream topping Directions: Preheat oven to 350. Grease bottom of 9x13 pan. Combine oats, 1 1/2 c. flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Stir in butter and mix well. Reserve one cup of oat mixture. Press remaining oat mixture into baking pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with chips and nuts. Mix caramel topping with remaining flour in small bowl. Drizzle over nuts to within 1/4 inch of pan edges. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack and refrigerate until firm.