2005-10-11

1 bag individually wrapped caramels
1/2 cup cream
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 tsp. Baking soda
1 cup flour
3/4 cup melted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional.

Mix together oatmeal, baking soda, flour, melted butter, brown sugar and salt. Pat half of the mixture into a 9 x 13 pan. Mixture will stretch to cover bottom of the pan, but it does take a little time and effort. Bake at 325 for 10 minutes. Let cool and sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts on top.

Unwrap and melt caramels with cream in top of double boiler or in microwave. Pour melted caramels on top of baked bottom and sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Cool and cut.