#2597 - Caramel Apple Bars

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 cup Domino's dark brown sugar (packed)
1 stick softened butter
1/4 cup Crisco shortening
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups Quaker quick oats
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 cups chopped baking apples (wash, peel and core before chopping)
3 TBSP flour
1 - 14oz. bag Kraft caramels (unwrapped)

In a mixer add brown sugar, butter and shortening--beat. Add flour, oats, salt and baking soda--beat (continue stirring with a wooden spoon if too thick for the mixer). Reserve 2 cups of the batter mixture--set aside. Press the remaining batter into a greased 9 x 13 cake pan. In a small bowl add the chopped apples and the 3 TBSP flour--stir until mixed. Spread the chpped apples over the batter mixture. In a saucepan over low heat add the unwrapped caramels--stir/cook until melted and smooth. Pour the caramel mixture over the chopped apples. Sprinkle the reserved batter over the whole top and use the back of a spoon to press it down lightly into the caramel. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until apples are tender. Cut into bars or squares while still warm.