Caramel_Apple_Bars

1 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1-3/4 cups flour
1-1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4-1/2 cups coarsely chopped apples
3 Tbls. flour
14 oz. caramels

Heat oven to 400. Mix brown sugar,
butter and shortening. Stir in 1-3/4 cups
flour, the oats, salt and baking soda.
Remove 2 cups of the mixture, reserve.
Press remaining mixture in ungreased
13x9x2" pan. Toss apples and 3 Tbls.
flour; spread over mixture in pan. Heat
candies over low heat, stirring
occasionally, until melted; pour evenly
over apples. Top with reserved oat
mixture; press lightly. Bake until
golden brown and apples are tender,
25-30 minutes. Cut into 36 bars,
while warm. Refrigerate any
remaining bars.