CRUST:

2 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. quick oats
1 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. softened butter

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

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease (not oil) a 13"x9" oven pan.

In a large bowl combine crust ingredients. (When measuring flour, spoon lightly into measuring cup.) Blend together to form crumbs. Press half of the crumbs (about 3 cups) into a greased pan. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts.

Blend caramel topping and flour. Drizzle over chocolate chips and nuts. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs.

Bake 10 to 22 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Makes 3 to 4 dozen.