CARMELITAS
Makes 16 bars
¾ cup butter , melted ( 1½ sticks ) ¾ cup light brown sugar , packed 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-rolled old-fashioned oats 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt , or to taste
35 caramel squares , unwrapped ( I used Werther ’ s Originals Baking Caramels which are slightly bigger than cellophane-wrapped caramels ; if using the cellophane-wrapped ones , I recommend using a couple more .)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup ( 6 ounces ) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Line an 8 × 8-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray ; set pan aside . Note , lining your pan is highly recommended for ease of cleanup due to the stickiness of the caramel .
In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl , add the butter and heat on high