oatmeal carmelitas

I got this recipe a few years ago when my neighbor locked herself out of her apartment.  I let her use my phone and hang out in my living room until the locksmith came.  In return, she made me these!  They were so good that I begged and begged for the recipe.  I am so glad she gave it to me.

This dessert is fabulous all hot and gooey...but it's also amazing after it's been chilled.  And, if you plan on cutting it into bars and serving individual pieces, you are going to want to chill it first.

Oatmeal Carmelitas

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 t. soda
• 1/4 t. salt
• 3/4 cup margarine, melted
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
• 3 T. flour

In a large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, soda, salt, and melted margarine.  Blend well at low speed to form crumbs.  Press half of crumbs into bottom of 9x9" pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans.  Blend caramel topping and 3 T. flour; pour over chocolate and pecans to cover.  Sprinkle with remaining crumbs.  Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until golden brown.  Chill 1-2 hours.  Cut into bars.