CARAMEL OATMEAL CHEWIES

1 3/4 cup Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, -uncooked)
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour, divided use
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped nuts
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 cup caramel ice cream topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.

Combine oats, 1 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl; stir to break up brown sugar. Stir in butter, mixing until well blended. Reserve 1 cup oat mixture; press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan.

Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown; cool for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle with nuts and morsels.

Mix caramel topping with remaining flour in small bowl; drizzle over morsels to within 1/4 inch of pan edges. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack; chill until firm.