CRUST:

2 c. flour
2 c. quick cooking rolled oats
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. butter, softened

FILLING:

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts (opt.)
12 oz. jar (1 c.) caramel ice cream topping
3 tbsp. flour

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13"x9" pan. Blend all crust ingredients until crumbly. Press half of crumbs, about 3 cups, into prepared pan (reserve remaining crumbs for topping).

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Blend caramel topping and 3 tablespoons flour; drizzle over chocolate and nuts. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake additional 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool; cut into bars. (Chill for easier cutting.) 36 bars.