Ingredients:
CRUST:
3/4 C. butter flavored shortening + some for greasing
1 C. firmly packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 C. quick oats, uncooked
FILLING:
3 to 4 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch (about 4 cups)
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 bag caramel candy, unwrapped
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13X9X2 inch baking pan with shortening.
2. For crust, combine shortening and brown sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer. Add egg to creamed mixture. Beat until blended.
3. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixute gradually. Add in oats. Mix until blended. Reserve 1 1/4 cups of mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into prepared pan.
4. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.
5. For filling, toss apples with 2 tbsp. flour and lemon juice. Distribute apple mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Press in lightly.
6. Place caramels in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH for 1 minute. Stir. Repeat until caramels are melted. Drizzle melted caramel evenly over apples. Crumble reserved topping evenly over caramel.
7. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until apples are tender and top is golden brown. Do not over bake! Loosen caramel from sides of pan with knife. Cool completely. Cut into 1 1/2 inch bars. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to store.