Huh? Salted Caramel Crunch Brownies from a Box

When I read this recipe, I went, "HUH?" It sounds different and yummy though. *** NOTE: I have not made this recipe yet, but I always have good luck with recipes posted in the Food Section of the San Diego, CA, North County Times. *** (Preparation time does not include preparing and cooling the brownie mix. I think I'll make it the day before.) EDITED TO ADD: I made these brownies on 4/10/10 and did like the different flavors resulting from adding the peanuts and pretzels. I hope you like them too!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 8-16
• Yields: 16 bars

Ingredients

•  brownie mix
• 1 (14 ounce) package  caramel candies
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 12  ounces  plg.  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1  teaspoon shortening
• 1  cup  lightly salted peanuts
• 1  cup  pretzel, gently broken

Directions

1. Prepare brownie mix and cool according to pkg. directions.
2. In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and milk. Heat on high in 30-second bursts, stirring between bursts, until melted and smooth.
3. Pour the mixture over the cooled brownies and spread to the edges. Set aside to cool.
4. When the caramel mixture has cooled and firmed a bit, make the next layer.
5. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and shortening. Heat on high in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst, until melted and smooth.
6. Add the peanuts and pretzels, then stir gently. Top the caramel with the chocolate mixture, spooning the mixture over the entire surface.
7. Let cool and harden before cutting. Cut into 16 bars, since they are so rich they don't need to be big!
8. Wrap tightly or store in airtight container.