American Choc Nut Caramel Bars

Ingredients

 * 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour, divided
 * 2 cups old-fashioned oats
 * 1 cup brown sugar, packed
 * 1 teaspoon baking soda
 * ¼ teaspoon salt
 * 1 cup butter or margarine, melted
 * 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz package)
 * 1½ cups chopped walnuts
 * 1 cup caramel ice cream topping (12¼ oz jar)

Directions

 * 1) In a large bowl, combine together 2 cups of flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.
 * 2) Add butter and stir until everything is moistened.
 * 3) Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture.
 * 4) Press the remaining into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
 * 5) Bake at 350 °F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
 * 6) Sprinkle with walnuts and chocolate chips.
 * 7) In a small bowl, combine the caramel topping and ⅓ cup of flour.
 * 8) Mix well, then drizzle over the base.
 * 9) Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture.
 * 10) Bake at 350 °F for 20 – 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
 * 11) Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.