Caramelitas

Caramelitas 32 caramel squares, unwrapped (OR 1 1/3 cup caramel bits) 1/2 cup heavy cream 3/4 cup butter, melted 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 tsp baking soda 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips Combine caramels/caramel bits & heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until completely smooth; turn off heat & set aside. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, & baking soda. Pat half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of an 8x8" pan. Bake at 350*F for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven & sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. Pour caramel mixture over chocolate chips. Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over caramel. Return to oven & bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven & cool completely before cutting. *It takes a while for the caramel to cool down enough to cut them into squares. If you are pressed for time you can refrigerate them enough to cut & serve, but you want to store them at room temperature. **To make a 9x13" version, simply double the amounts. ***If you want to use homemade or store-bought carmel sauce in place of the caramel/cream mixture, use 1¼ cups of sauce.