Mouthwatering Monday...Caramel Apple Bars!

Ingredients:

1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
1/2 cup Butter or Margarine, softened
1/4 cup Shortening
1+3/4 cups all purpose flour
1+1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4+1/2 cups tart apples, coarsely chopped & peeled(about 3 apples)
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 bag 14oz. caramels

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix brown sugar, butter, and shortening in a large bowl. Stir in 1+3/4 cups flour, the oats, salt and baking soda. Reserve 2 cups oat mixture; then press remaining oat mixture in ungreased 13x9 pan.

2. Toss apples with 3 tablespoons flour; spread over mixture in pan. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted; pour evenly over apples. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.

3. Bake 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. For 36 bars, cut 6 rows by 6 rows while warm. Store covered in refrigerator.

Thanks to MOPS Member Crystal E. for sharing this delicious recipe - a perfect treat to bring for the Thanksgiving Feast.