Chocolate Caramel Bars

ingredients
32 caramel squares, unwrapped
5 T heavy cream
1 C flour
1 C oats
3/4 C packed brown sugar
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
3/4 C unsalted butter, melted
6 oz. (1/2 pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts

directions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Put cream and caramels in a pot over low heat.  Stir occasionally until smooth, about 15 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.  Add melted butter and mix.  Press half of the dough into an 11″x7″ pan. Dough should be about 1/4″ thick.  Bake for 10 minutes.

Distribute chocolate and nuts evenly over dough, then cover with caramel.  Crumble remaining oat mixture over caramel and bake 15-20 minutes longer, or until top is lightly toasted.  Let cool to room temperature before cutting into squares.