Caramel-Apple Bars

Just wanted to share this recipe I got...They are so yummy! Whenever I make them they are devoured and everyone always wants the recipe. I made these today for Ben's work and he said everyone loved them!! Hopefully they weren't just being nice...You'll have to let me know what you think! I'll tell you where I got the recipe as soon as I figure out where it came from!!

Caramel-Apple Bars

1 3/4 c. flour
1 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. (2 sticks) butter margarine, chilled
1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling
21 caramels
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 c. walnuts (opt.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, oats and brown sugar in a bowl; mix well. Stir in baking soda and salt. Cut in butter, using a pastry blender or 2 knives, until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 c. of oat mixture. Press remaining oat mixture over bottom of a 9x13" baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes; cool slightly. Spread pie filling over baked crust. Combine caramels and condensed milk in a medium saucepa. Cook, stirring continually, over low heat until smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour over pie filling. MIx reserved oat mixture and walnuts in a bowl. Sprinkle over caramel layer. Bake until set, about 20 minutes; cool. Cut into bars.

**For a chocolaty confection, add 1/3 c. semisweet chocolate chips to the recipe while melting caramels and condensed milk.