Double-Chocolate and Caramel Bars

(Cookie Exchange Quantity) Indulge in rich bars that combine favorite caramel and chocolate flavors.

Ingredients

Bars

• 2 can (14 oz each) sweetened condensed milk
• 48 caramels
• 1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups firm butter or margarine
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2/3 cup baking cocoa
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour

Chocolate Glaze

• 1 teaspoon shortening or vegetable oil
• 1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

Instructions

1. In small microwavable bowl, microwave 1 cup chocolate chips and the shortening uncovered on High 1 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through heating time, until melted and thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over bars. For bars, cut into 12 rows by 6 rows.
2. Meanwhile, in heavy 2-quart saucepan, melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk and remaining 1/4 cup butter over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour over crust. Top with reserved crumb mixture. Bake about 20 minutes longer or until bubbly. Cool completely, about 2 hours.
3. In large bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, cocoa and egg. Cut in 1 1/4 cups of the butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until crumbly. Stir in walnuts; reserve 3 cups of the crumb mixture. Press remaining mixture firmly in bottom of pan; sprinkle with 2 cups chocolate chips. Bake 15 minutes.
4. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with foil, leaving about 2 inches of foil hanging over sides of pan.

Notes