1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter or oleo
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Filling:
4 1/2 cups coarsley chopped apples
1 14 oz. pkg. caramels
3 tbsp. flour
Prepare the first part for the crust and topping. Set aside 2 cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into a 13x9 baking pan. Prepare the filling. Toss the apples in the flour. Spread this fruit mixture over the first mixture in the pan. heat caramels over low heat, stirring until melted. Pour the caramel evenly over the apples.
Top with the reserved oat mixture. Press down lightly on the oat mixture. Bake at 400 degrees until golden and apples are tender. Cut into bars while warm.
Refrigerate any leftover bars.
**Suggested ideas: Add 1 cup chopped peanuts over melted caramel and/or 4 chopped snickers bars over melted caramel before putting oat mixture on top.
