Apple Caramel Crumb Bars

 

Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
2/3 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup melted butter
3 cups peeled small-diced apples tossed with 

            1 tablespoon flour

2 cups Kraft wrapped caramel candies

        -Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon,

          nutmeg, salt and melted butter.  Pat half

          of the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13

          inch glass baking pan.  Bake for 10 

          minutes at 350 degrees.

       -While crust is baking, unwrap caramel candies and place

         in heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium heat

         & cook, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.

       -Remove crust from the oven and cover with diced
         apples.  Pour melted caramels evenly over the apples
         and dot the remaining crumb mixture over the top of
         the caramel.

        -Return to oven and continue cooking at 350 degrees
         for 30 - 35 minutes, until bubbling and slightly browned.

        -Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into 2 inch

             squares.  Makes 28 bars.

              Combine flour, butter and oats to create

                                     crumb mixture.

Press crumb mixture into bottom of pan.

                                                                  Baked Caramel Apple Bars - allow to cool                                                                               completely before cutting.

Tender & Chewy Apple Bars - serve with fresh slices of apples

 as a garnish!