Caramel O Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

14 -16 ounces caramel candies
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup peanut butter
4 cups Cheerios toasted oat cereal
1 cup salted peanuts
TOPPING
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons shortening

Preparation

Combine caramels, water and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl (microwave safe bowl).
microwave at high 3-5 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring after 2 minutes.
Stir in cereal and peanuts.
Press mixture in well buttered 13x9 or12x8 pan.
Place topping ingredients in microwave safe bowl.
microwave ,stirring occasionally until melted and blended.
Spread over bars and cool.
Note: caramels are about 396.9 to 453.6 grams.
Microwave times will vary.