Caramel Apple Bars

Crust and topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp soda

Mix brown sugar, margarine, and shortening. Stir in flour, oatmeal, salt and soda. Remove 2 cups of mix; reserve. Press remaining mix into ungreased 9 x 13 pan.

Filling:
4 1/2 cup chopped apples
3 T. flour
1 pkg caramels

Toss apples and flour, spread over crust in pan. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring til melted. Pour evenly over apples. Top with reserved crumbs. Bake at 400� 25-30 minutes

AUTHOR: Marge