Caramel Oatmeal Chewies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 3/4 c. oats (quick or old fashion)
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
3/4 c. melted margarine
1 c. chopped peanuts (optional)
1 c. chocolate chips
1 (12.5 oz.) jar caramel ice cream topping
1/4 c. flour

Preparation

Heat oven to 350\u00b0.
Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, soda and salt.
Mix well.
Stir in margarine. Mix well until blended.
Reserve 1 cup; press remaining into bottom of pan.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes.
Cool 10 minutes.
Top with nuts and chocolate chips.
Mix caramel with 1/4 cup flour until smooth.
Drizzle over chocolate chips to within 1/4 inch of sides.
Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture.
Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool; chill until set.
Makes approximately 24 bars.