1 3/4 c. Quaker Oats
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
3/4 c. butter, melted
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 (14 oz.) bag vanilla caramels
1/4 c. water

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9 inch baking pan.

Combine first 5 ingredients. Add butter; mix until crumbly. reserve 1 cup for topping; press remaining mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes; top with nuts and chocolate pieces.

In medium saucepan, melt caramels with water over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Drizzle over chocolate pieces to within 1/4 inch of pan edges; sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Continue baking 15-18 minutes. Cool. Chill until chocolate is set. Cut into bars.