Carmel Bars

One of my favorite family recipes is the one for Carmel Bars. Our friends always requested them for parties and looked forward to Christmas when they would be included on my cookie plates. My brother used to take them on Boy Scout trips and bribe his way out of doing any chores he didn't want to do. They are best fresh, but can last for awhile if you have the will power to eat them slowly.

Carmel Bars

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups oatmeal

1 cup cold butter cut into 1/2" dice

1 jar carmel topping
8 oz chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Pulse the flour, salt, soda, brown sugar and oatmeal a couple of times in a food processor to mix.
2. Add in butter and pulse to combine until butter is just mixed in and everything looks crumbly. Don't overmix.
3. Press half of mixture into greased 9"x11" pan.
4. Bake 10 minutes in 350 degree oven.
5. Take out of oven and pour carmel over crust. Spread evenly. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Put the other half of oatmel mixture on top and lightly pat down.
6. Bake for 20 minutes more, until lightly browned and bubbly around the edges.
7. Let cool and then cut into bars of whatever size you like. They can be a bit crumbly.

For an extra special treat, serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Bon Appetit!!!