Caramel Apple Walnut Squares

Submitted by Glenda Davis

1 3/4 Cup flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 Cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Cup cold margarine or butter
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
20 caramels, unwrapped
1 can sweetened condensed milk(14 ounces)
1 can apple pie filling (I like to use 1/2 or 2 cans)

In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt; cut in margarine or butter until crumbly. Reserving 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture, press remainder on bottom of 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes at 375. Add walnuts to reserved crumb mixture. In heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk; stirring until smooth. Spoon apple filling over prepared crust; top with caramel mixture, then reserved crumb mixture. Bake 20 more minutes; cool.

Cook's Note: This tastes delicious served with ice cream.