Caramel Apple Bars
(Or Optional Date Bars)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 1/2 cups coarsely chopped, peeled tart apples (3 medium)
3 Tablespoons flour
14 oz bag caramels
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix brown sufar, butter and shortening in a large bowl. Stir in 1 3/4 cups flour, the oats, salt and baking soda. Reserve 2 cups oats mixture. Press remaining oats mixture in an ungreased 9x13 pan. Toss apples and 3 Tablespoons flour together and spread over oats mixture in the pan. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Pour evenly over apples. Sprinkle reserved oats mixture over and press lightly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Optional: Make Date Bars! Heat 1 lb (3 cups) cut-up dates, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 cup sugar over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool. Substitute date mixture for the apples, 3 Tablespoons flour and caramels.
