Caramel Apple Bars

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl, combine brown sugar with butter and shortening and cream together until well blended. Add 1-3/4 cups flour, quick cooking oats, salt and baking soda and mix well. Measure out 2 cups of this crumbly mixture and set aside. Pat remaining crumbly mixture into 13x9" pan.

In large bowl, combine apples and 3 Tbsp. flour and spread over crust.

In medium bowl, microwave unwrapped caramels until melted, about 4-5 minutes on MEDIUM powder, stirring every minute. Pour over apples and then sprinkle with reserved crumbly mixture. Pat lightly.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until crumbs are golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with fork. Cut into bars when cooled. Store in refrigerator.