1 (14 oz.) pkg. vanilla caramel candies
1/4 c. water
6 c. Kix cereal
1 c. chopped nuts, if desired
1 (12 oz.) pkg. milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. shortening

Butter rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Heat candies and water in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Stir in cereal and nuts until completely coated.

Press mixture in pan with buttered back of spoon. Heat chocolate chips and shortening in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Spread over mixture in pan. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 30 minutes. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares. Yield: 48 squares.