Elsie's Nutty Chocolate Caramel Bars

Here is the recipe that Elsie has brought to several church events. A few people have asked for the recipe, so here it is in all its high calorie glory.

Nutty Chocolate Caramel Bars

(makes about 2 1/2 dozen bars)
Prep time:15 minutes
Preheat oven to 350 f

2-1\3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
2 cups (12 oz. pkg.) semi sweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup (12.25 oz. jar) caramel ice cream topping

Combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add butter; stir until all ingredients are moistened. Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture; press remaining mixture into bottom of ungreased 13x9 baking pan.

Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 15 min. or until lightly browned. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and walnuts. Combine caramel topping and remaining 1/3 cup flour in small bowl; drizzle over chocolate and walnuts. Sprinkle with remaining reserved crumb mixture. Return to oven; bake an additional 20 min. or until lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into bars.