CHOCOLATE REVEL BARS

FOR THE OAT MIXTURE:
3 cups quick cooking oats, uncooked
2 1/2 cups flour
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided use
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened, divided use
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla, divided use
FOR THE CHOCOLATE MIXTURE:
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

TO PREPARE THE OAT MIXTURE:
Stir together oats, flour, baking soda and 1 tsp salt in medium bowl; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add eggs and 2 tsp vanilla. Beat well. Add oats mixture to beaten mixture and beat until well blended; set aside.

TO PREPARE THE CHOCOLATE MIXTURE:
In heavy saucepan, heat chocolate pieces, sweetened condensed milk, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt over low heat. Stir until smooth.

Remove from heat, stir in nuts and remaining 2 tsp vanilla.

Pat 2/3 of oat mixture into bottom of ungreased 10x15 baking pan. Spread with chocolate mixture. Dot with remaining oat mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until done. Toothpick inserted into center should come out clean.

Cool on wire rack; cut into bars.

Makes 48 bars
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinal - April 21, 2000