Caramel Apple Bars

These are to die for. Make sure you hide some for yourself because they won't last long.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 15-20 Bars

Ingredients

• CRUST

• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine
• 1⁄4 cup shortening
• 1  cup  packed brown sugar
• 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  cup quick-cooking oats
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped pecans (optional)

• FILLING

• 4 1⁄2 cups  coarsely chopped peeled baking apples
• 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (14 ounce) package  caramels
• 3  tablespoons butter or 3  tablespoons margarine

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Add flour, oats, salt and baking soda; mix well.
3. Stir in pecans if desired.
4. Set aside 2 cups.
5. Press remaining oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan.
6. For filling, toss apples with flour; spoon over the crust.
7. In a saucepan, melt the caramels and butter over low heat; drizzle over apples.
8. Top with the reserved oat mixture.
9. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
10. Cool before cutting into bars.