Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Bars

From: Nancy,.SanFran

Chocolate Caramel Bars
Recipe By : Best Foods
Makes : 48

CRUST:
cooking spray
2 cups flour
3/4 cup margarine or butter -- (1 1/2 sticks)
slightly softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips -- (6 oz)

CARAMEL:
3/4 cup margarine or butter -- (1 1/2 sticks)
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup light or dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

4 dozen

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. FOR CRUST: In large bowl with mixer at medium speed beat flour, margarine, sugar and salt until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; press firmly into prepared pan.

3. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crust; let stand 5 minutes or until shiny and soft. Spread chocolate evenly; set aside.

4. FOR CARAMEL: In heavy 2-quart saucepan combine margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla. Stirring frequently, bring to boil over medium heat. Without stirring, boil 4 minutes.

5. Pour over chocolate; spread evenly. Sprinkle with walnuts.

6. Cool completely. Refrigerate 1 hour to set chocolate; let stand at room temperature until softened.

7. Cut into 2 x 1-inch bars. Store in tightly-covered container at room temperature.