Joan’s Chocolate Caramel Bars

1 cup plus 3 tbs. flour

1 cup quick rolled oats

¾ cup packed brown sugar

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

¼ pound plus 4 tbs. butter, melted

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup chopped pecans

¾ cup caramel ice cream topping

Combine 1 cup flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, salt and butter. Blend until mixture resembles crumbs. Press half the mixture into bottom of 11 X 7 inch baking pan. Bake in preheated oven 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Keep oven on. Remove pan and sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over crust. Blend caramel topping with remaining 3 tbs. flour. Pour over chips and nuts. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over top. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool and chill. Slice into squares.

Best made the day before.