Oatmeal Carmelitas

2 c. flour
2 c. uncooked quick-cooking oats
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, melted
1 (12 oz.) package chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 (14 oz.) package caramels
1/3 c. half-and-half

1. Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add butter, stirring until mixture is crumbly. Reserve half of mixture (about 2 3/4 cups). Press remaining half of mixture into bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 pan. Sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips and, if desired, nuts.
2. Microwave caramels and half-and-half for 3 minutes. Stir and microwave again for 1-3 more minutes or until smooth. Let stand 1 minute. Pour evenly over chocolate chips. Sprinkle evenly with reserved crumb mixture.
3. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cut into bars.

-Hillery Ray