1 3/4 c. oatmeal
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
3/4 c. butter flavor Crisco, melted
1 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. chocolate chips
1 (12.5 oz.) jar caramel ice cream topping
1/4 c. flour

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13 x 9 pan. Combine first 7 ingredients; mix well. Reserve 1 cup; press remainder in pan. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Top with nuts and chocolate pieces to within 1/4 inch of pan edges. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. 32 bars.