Chocolate-Caramel Crunch Bars

1 package (14 ounces) caramels

1/3 cup water

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup margarine or butter, melted

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Heat caramels and water over low heat, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth.

Heat oven to 350°. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, margarine, baking soda and salt. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in ungreased baking pan, 13x9x2 inches. Bake 10 minutes.

Sprinkle baked layer with chocolate chips; drizzle with caramel mixture. Sprinkle with reserved crumbly mixture. Bake until light brown, about 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut into bars, 2×1 inch. 4 dozen bars.

Microwave Tip: Place caramels and water in 4-cup glass measure. Microwave uncovered on high (100%) 2 minutes; stir. Microwave until caramels can be stirred smooth, 1 to 2 minutes longer.

Glazed Fruit Bars

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup shortening

1/3 up margarine or butter, softened

1 egg

1 tablespoon grated orange peel, if desired

¼ cup orange or pineapple juice

2½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup raisins

1 cup cut-up mixed candied fruit

½ cup chopped nuts, if desired

Powdered Sugar Glaze (below)

Heat oven to 400°. Mix sugar, shortening, margarine, egg, orange peel and orange juice. Stir in remaining ingredients except Powdered Sugar Glaze. Spread in greased jelly roll pan, 15½x10½x1 inch. Bake until top springs back when touched, about 15 minutes; cool slightly. Spread with glaze. Decorate with bits of candied fruit if desired. Cut into bars, 2×1 inch. About 5 dozen bars.

POWDERED SUGAR GLAZE

Beat 1½ cups powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon vanilla and 2 to 3 tablespoons milk until smooth and of desired consistency.

Glazed Date-Raisin Bars: Substitute 1 cup cut-up dates for the candied fruit.

Glazed Orange-Raisin Bars: Substitute 1 cup snipped candied orange slices for the candied fruit.

 

It is a quote. Betty Crocker’s Christmas Cookbook 1982