1 pkg. (14  oz.) caramels (about 48) 
      1/3 c.  water 
      2 c.  unbleached flour 
      2 c.  quick-cooking oats 
      1 c. brown  sugar, packed 
      1 c.  margarine, melted 
  ½ tsp.  baking soda 
  ¼ tsp. salt 
      1  c. (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips | 
    Microwave  caramels and water, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted and mixture  is smooth. 
      Heat oven  to 350 degrees.  Mix flour, oats, brown  sugar, margarine, baking soda and salt.   Reserve 1 c. mixture for topping.   Press remaining mixture in ungreased 9” x 13” x 2” baking pan.  Bake 10 mins. 
      Sprinkle  baked layer with chocolate chips; drizzle with caramel mixture.  Sprinkle with reserved crumbly mixture.  Bake until light brown, about 15 min.  Cool slightly.  Cut into bars. |