Oatmeal Carmelitas

1 3/4 cup oatmeal (dry )
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp.salt
3/4 cup butter or oleo, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 oz. bag of vanilla caramels

Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.
Add butter and vanilla. Mix until crumbly.
Reserve 1 cup for topping.
Press remaining mixture into bottom of a greased 9 by 13 baking pan.
Bake in pre-heated oven for 10 minutes. Let cool.
Sprinkle nuts and chocolate chips on top.
Melt caramels in sauce pan with 1/4 cup water over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle over chocolate chips and nuts to within 1/4 inch of pan edges.
Sprinkle reserved oat mixture over top.
Bake 15 to 18 minutes longer until light golden brown and set.
Chill.