Grandma Holmes's Caramel Cookie Bars

When I posted on Grandma Holmes's chocolate pie, MDS's sister Stephanie and cousin Chrissy immediately asked for information about Grandma Holmes's chocolate caramel bars. Luckily, Patti had the recipe, so now we can all enjoy these amazing bars. Now I understand why they inspire such devotion. If these bars were part of a Christmas cookie plate delivered to me, I would eat them first, especially to make sure that I got some before others dove in.

The recipe that Patti sent me calls for the use of a 9" x 13" pan. But I found that the recipe worked better with a 9" x 9" pan. For the caramels, I used a 9 ounce bag. It did take some time for the caramels to melt, but once they do melt, watch the caramels closely and stir frequently to avoid burning the caramel mixture.

Grandma Holmes's Caramel Cookie Bars 

• 32 light caramels 
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk 

Melt together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. This will take 15 - 20 minutes. While caramels melt, make the crust:

• 1 cup flour 
• 1/2 cup brown sugar 
• Dash of salt 
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda 
• 3/4 cup rolled oats 
• 3/4 cup butter 
• 6 oz. chocolate chips

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until coarse and crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup of oatmeal mixture for topping. Press the rest into a greased 9" x 9" pan. Bake 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle on 6 oz. chocolate chips. Spread on the caramel mixture. Sprinkle on the remaining oatmeal mixture. Put pan back in oven for 20 minutes. Refrigerate 2 hours before cutting into bars. Enjoy!