Once again, I would like to share with you a bar that tastes like a cookie. I LOVE oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Sometimes you don’t have the time or desire to deal with the hassle of individual cookies.

Mix up the oatmeal mixture. Melt the caramels during the first baking. Pour. Sprinkle. Bake a second time. 

Done!

Oatmeal Caramel Bars

Ingredients

32 caramels, unwrapped
5 Tbsp. evaporated milk
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. quick oats
3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. butter, melted
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts, chopped (walnuts, pecans, peanuts – your choice or omit)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 deg F.
2. Melt the unwrapped caramels in the evaporated milk over double boiler or low heat, stirring often. When combined, remove from heat, and let cool slightly.
3. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and butter. Divide mixture into 2.
4. Press half into bottom of 8 x 10 inch baking pan.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped nuts evenly over baked oatmeal mixture.
7. Pour and spread melted caramel over chocolate chips and nuts.
8. Sprinkle with remaining oatmeal mixture.
9. Bake for another 15 – 20 minutes.
10. Cool completely.
11. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Have you ever heard of Twin Bings?

These are one of my Mom’s favorite candies. They were created near where I grew up, were present through most of my life, and then I realized they were a regional thing. Huh. 

I do know, now, there are other very similar candies around, but this recipe is one my grandma used to make every year at Christmas time.

Cherry Bing Bars

Ingredients

24 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
3/4 c. peanut butter, divided 
2/3 c. evaporated milk 
2 c. sugar 
½ c. butter
2 c. mini marshmallows
6 oz. cherry chips
2 c. salted peanuts, chopped

Directions

Layer 1
1. Melt 12 oz. chocolate chips and ¼ c. peanut butter in saucepan over medium heat,stirring often. 
2.Spread into 9 x 13 inch pan. 
3. Let cool completely. 
Layer 2
4. Combine evaporated milk, sugar, and butter in saucepan and bring to boil.
5. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Add marshmallows and cherry chips. Stir well.
7. Pour mixture over first layer.
8. Let cool completely.
Layer 3
9. Melt 12 oz chocolate chips, ½ c. peanut butter, and salted peanuts over medium heat, stirring often.
10. Combine well. Pour over second layer.
11. Let all cool completely.