CARAMEL PEANUT BARS

Title	CARAMEL PEANUT BARS
Category	Desserts
Author	Patti Wyse
Ingredients	1 1/2 c. quick cooking oats 1 1/2 c. all purpose flour 1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 c. margarine or butter, melted 1 pkg. (14 oz.) caramels 1/2 whipping cream 1 1/2 c. (9 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips 3/4 c. chopped peanuts
Directions	In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in butter. Set aside 1 c. for topping. Press remaining mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2 baking pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, combine caramels and cream in a heavy saucepan or microwave safe bowl. Cook over low heat or microwave until melted, stirring often. Sprinkle chocolate chips and peanuts over the crust; top with caramel mixture. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Cool completely before cutting. Yield: 3 dozen.