Chocolate Caramel Bars

Yield
4 dozen
Ingredients
* Crust:
* 2 cups flour
* 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
* Caramel:
* 3/4 cup butter or margarine
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/3 cup Karo® Light or Dark Corn Syrup
* 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
* 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 teaspoon vegetable shortening


Preparation
For Crust: MIX flour, butter, sugar and salt in large bowl with mixer at medium speed until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; press firmly into greased 13x9-inch baking pan.

BAKE 15 minutes at 350°F or until golden brown. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crust; let stand 5 minutes or until shiny and soft. Spread chocolate evenly; set aside.

For Caramel: COOK butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in a heavy 2-quart saucepan to boiling, stirring frequently. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

POUR caramel over chocolate-covered crust; spread evenly. Sprinkle with walnuts. Place chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwaveable bowl and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 30 seconds or until melted. Drizzle melted chocolate over bars.

CHILL 1 hour to set. Let stand at room temperature until softened. Cut into 2- x 1-inch bars. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

source by: myrecipes.com
recipes by: Karo Corn Syrup