Caramel Apple Walnut Squares
Patricia Blanchard, Onalaska

1-3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup quick-cook oats 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup butter or margarine 20 caramels, unwrapped 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 21 oz. can apple pie filling 1 cup walnuts, chopped Vanilla or cinnamon-flavored ice cream

For crust, in a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter or oleo until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of mixture. Press remaining mixture in a 9-x13-inch baking pan. Bake the crust in a 375-degree oven for 10 minutes. For the filling, in a heavy saucepan, melt caramels with the sweetened condensed milk over low heat and stir until smooth. Spoon apple pie filling over the crust and top with the caramel mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over caramel and layer top with walnuts. Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes more or until top is golden. Cook and serve with ice cream. Makes 15–20 servings.