Caramel Apple Bars II

Recipe From Cheri

3 c. all-purpose flour
3 c. quick cooking oats
2 c. packed brown sugar
1 1/2 t. baking soda
1 3/4 c. butter, melted
3 c. granny smith apples-peeled, cored and sliced (need 3-4 apples, cut into smaller pieces but not as small as chopped)
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

1 1/2 c. caramel ice cream topping
1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Grease a 15 x 10 " Jelly Roll or a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, quick cooking oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir in the melted butter. mix until crumbly. This is the crust. Press 1/2 of this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes in preheated oven.
3. In a small pan, over medium heat combine the caramel topping and the remaining 1/2 c. of flour. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. This is the caramel filling.
4. Spread apple slices evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle on the nuts. Then pour the caramel filling over the apple layer. Crumble the remaining crust over the top of everything. Bake again for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars.