CARAMEL APPLE WALNUT SQUARES

FOR THE CRUST:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats, uncooked
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter or margarine
FOR THE FILLING:
20 caramel candies (like Kraft caramels), unwrapped
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
1 cup chopped walnuts
cinnamon or vanilla flavored ice cream (for serving)

TO MAKE THE CRUST:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter or margarine till crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture. Press the remaining mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.

Bake the crust layer in a 375 degree F oven for 10 minutes.

MEANWHILE, TO MAKE THE FILLING:
In a heavy saucepan, melt the caramels with the sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring till smooth.

Spoon apple pie filling over the baked crust. Top with caramel mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over caramel layer. Top with walnuts.

Return to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes more or till the top is golden. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Serve with ice cream.

Servings: 15
From: New Albany, Indiana, baking contest
Adapted from source: Midwest Living Magazine