4 1/2 c. oatmeal, uncooked
1 c. packed brown sugar
3/4 c. butter, melted
1/2 c. dark corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2 tsp. shortening
2/3 c. chopped nuts

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Grease 15 x 10 inch pan. Combine oats, sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla and salt; mix well. Firmly press mixture into pan. Bake 12 minutes, or until mixture is brown and bubbly. Cool completely.

In saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and shortening, stirring constantly until smooth. Spread evenly over oat base, sprinkle with nuts. Chill until set; cut into bars. 60 bars.

NOTE: Place chocolate and shortening in glass container; microwave at High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute and then every 30 seconds until smooth.