Caramel Apple Bars

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 1/2 cups coarsely chopped, peeled tart apples
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (14 ounce) package caramels

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix brown sugar, butter and shortening. Stir in the 1 3/4 cups flour, the oats, salt and baking soda. Remove 2 cups of the mixture, reserve. Press remaining mixture in ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.

Toss apples and the 3 tablespoons flour, spread over mixture in pan.

Melt caramels in a double boiler, stirring until melted. Pour evenly over apples. Top with reserved oat mixture. Press down lightly. Bake until golden brown and apples are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into bars, about 2 x 1 1/2 inches, while warm. Refrigerate any remaining bars.

Makes 36 bars, 135 calories each.