If Mom was a dessert...

My mom makes desserts. And when I say desserts I mean really freaking good desserts. Because of my mom, I now have a crazy incurable sweets addiction.

Tangent: My Grandma Bray had a wacky wardrobe. Wigs, bright lipstick, high heels and "slacks" in every color. She stored her wigs on Styrofoam heads in her bathroom. I remember using her bathroom and staring at them as I wiggled my toes in her bright pink toilet rug. I wondered if she was bald but never had the guts to ask. Fast forward a couple decades. Grandma Bray now rests in peace, but every time my mom and I go shopping together and I see some blouse with a plethora of tropical flowers, gaudy colors, beads and/or sequins, I say "hey, that thing is like Grandma Bray reincarnated". We usually have a good chuckle about it and know she smiles down on us (or rolls over in her grave when she sees all of my black, brown and grey clothing).

So, I know this sounds bad, but if my mom was a dessert she would be Oatmeal Carmelitas. She may disagree with me though as she has a pretty strong affection for strawberries. :)

I remember her making this dessert and just being absolutely thrilled. It's simple, and probably the most delicious bars ever.


Oatmeal Carmelitas

Crust:
1c flour
1c whole oats
3/4 c brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c butter, melted

Filling:
1 c milk chocolate pieces
3/4 c caramel ice cream topping
3 tb flour

Preheat oven to 350.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for crust. Blend well with mixer to form crumbs. Press have of crubs into bottom of a 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 for 10 mintes. Remmove from oven. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Blend caramel topping and flour, spread over chocolate. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake 15-20 minutes longer until golden brown. Chill 1-2 hours, serve.