Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars 

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup shortening

1 cup packed brown sugar

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

4-1/2 cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 package (14 ounces) caramels

3 tablespoons butter

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl using a hand mixer), cream the butter, shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then add flour, oats, salt and baking soda and mix well. Measure and set aside 2 cups of this mixture. Press the remaining mixture into an ungreased 13×9-in. baking pan. Slice apples and toss with flour until evenly coated. Spoon over crust in an even layer. Unwrap caramel candies and heat them in a saucepan over low heat with the butter. Then simply drizzle over apples. Top the caramel and apples with the reserved oat mixture. Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting into bars.