Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter (softened)
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups all-purpose or unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 1/2 cups coarsely chopped,pared, tart apples (about 3 medium)
3 tablespoons flour
1 package (14 ounces) vanilla caramels

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix brown sugar, margarine and shortening.
Mix in 1 3/4 cups flour, the oats, salt, and baking soda.
Remove 2 cups of the mixture and reserve.
Press remaining mixture in ungreased rectangular pan, 13 x 9 x 2.
Toss apples with 3 tablespoons flour and spread over the mixture
in the pan.
Heat caramels over LOW heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.
Pour evenly over the apple mixture.
Top with reserved oat mixture pressing down lightly.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender.
Cut into bars while warm.
If not serving immediately, refrigerate until ready to use.
Makes about 36 bars.