Caramel Oatmeal Chewies

Caramel Oatmeal Chewies
Makes about 2 1/2 dozen bars

1 3/4 c. quick or old-fashioned oats
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour, divided
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt (optional)
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
2 c. (12 oz. package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. caramel ice cream topping

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine oats, 1 1/2 cup flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in butter; mix well. Reserve 1 cup oat mixture; press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Mix caramel topping with remaining flour in a small bowl; drizzle over nuts to within 1/4 inch of pan edges. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack; refrigerate until firm.