Carmel Apple Bars

Submitted by Sheila Bissell of Mentor

1 Cup packed brown sugar

1/2 C butter or margarine, softened

1-3/4 Cup Flour

1-1/2 Cup Quick cooking Oats

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

4-1/2 Cup tart apples, peeled & coarsely chopped

3 Tbl flour

(1) 14-oz bag of carmels

Mix brown sugar, butter an shortening in large bowl. Stir in flour, oats, salt & baking soda. Reserve 2 cups oat mixture; press remaining oat mixture in an ungreased 13 x 9 pan.Preheat over to 400 F.

Toss apples and 3 Tbl four; spread over mixture in pan. Heat carmels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Pour evenly over apples. Sprinkle w/reserved oat mixture; press lightly.

Bake 25 to 30 min. or until topping is golden brown & apples are tender. Cut into 36 bars while still warm. Store covered in refrig. :)