Caramel Oatmeal Bars

 

1 ¼ c. old fashioned or quick cooking oats

1 c. plus 3 T. flour

¾ c. brown sugar

10 T. margarine, at room temperature, cut in pieces

¾ c. walnuts, chopped

1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice-cream topping

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend above 2 sides of pan.  Lightly grease foil. Mix oats, 1 cup flour and the sugar in a large bowl.   Add margarine and cut in with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Press half (about 1 ¼ cups) evenly over bottom of prepared pan.  Bake 12-15 minutes or until top looks dry and tiny cracks appear.  Sprinkle with walnuts.  Stir caramel topping and remaining 3 tablespoons flour in a medium bowl until blended.  Pour over nuts.  Sprinkle with remaining at mixture.  Bake 20-25 minutes longer until edges bubble slightly.  Cool in pan on wire rack.  Then, to make cutting easier, refrigerate 1 hour or until cold.  Lift foil by ends onto cutting board.  Peel off foil.  Cut in bars.