Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars

1 C. flour
1 C. instant oatmeal
3/4 brown sugar
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 C. soft butter
40 caramels
3-4 Tbsp. half & half or cream
1 1/2 C. Chocolate Chips

Beat flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, salt, baking powder and softened butter together. Grease a 9x13-inch pan and spread 3/4 of the dough into the pan, pressing firmly to the bottom. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.

While this is baking, unwrap caramels; add half & half or cream. Microwave or melt completely over stovetop. (This will harden so don't melt until crust layer in out of oven.) Pour caramel on top of cooked dough, keeping away from edges as this will burn. Sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel. On top of chocolate chips, add the rest of uncooked dough, flaking evenly. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Doesn't always brown, so don't overcook. Cut when cooled.

Note: Recipe is from Southern Friends in Faith Cookbook