CRUST:

2 c. all purpose flour
2 c. quick cooking oats
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. soft butter

FILLING:

6 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts
3 tbsp. flour
12 oz. jar caramel ice cream topping

In a large bowl combine all crust ingredients at low speed until crumbly. Press half of crumb mixture (3 cups) in a greased 13"x9" pan. Reserve remaining crumbs for topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle warm crust with chocolate chips and nuts. Combine caramel topping and flour; pour evenly over top. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Return to oven and bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into bars. (Refrigerate for easier cutting.) Makes 36 bars.