Living on Cloud Nine: caramel

Sometimes a cookie or bar recipe comes along that just blows you and your diet away!! LOL. This IS that bar! I have often wanted to make Carmelitas but felt they need something else. Here is where the sea salt comes in. Oh man, gives them just that kick and crunch. These are so easy and word of advice: I know you will want to eat them soon after coming out if the oven. W.A.I.T til the next day or after they have been in the fridge at least 8 hours. Yes, we were amazed that night when I cut into a corner after cooling about an hour, but the next morning out of the fridge and into my mouth, I actually yelled "Wow, even 10x's better!"

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!! Yum

INGREDIENTS

Kraft caramel bits or 35 unwrapped caramel squares

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp. course sea salt, divided

3/4 cup butter, melted (1 1/2 sticks, salted or unsalted)
3/ 4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup whole-rolled old fashioned quick oats

1 cup milk chocolate chips or chunks (I used Ghirardelli chips)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Lining your pan is highly recommended for ease of cleanup due to the stickiness of the caramel; set pan aside.
Combine caramels and cream in a medium saucepan, and heat over medium-low heat to melt, stirring nearly continuously, until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in 1/4 tsp. sea salt, Set aside.
In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 90 seconds.
Add the brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
Add the flour, oats, baking soda, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and stir until combined. Mixture will be quite thick.
Add half of the mixture to the prepared pan, and smooth it with spatula or the back of a spoon, to create an even, smooth, flat layer; set remainder aside.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove pan from the oven and evenly sprinkle with the chocolate chips.
Slowly and evenly pour caramel sauce over the chocolate.
Evenly crumble reserved oatmeal mixture over the top.
Return pan to oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes (I baked 16 ), or until edges are lightly browned and center is bubbling slightly.
Bars will seem like they are not done, but trust me, they will be awesome if you let cool for 4 hours, refrigerate at least an hour and then cut into squares. They will keep in the fridge up to a week and can be frozen as well.