The best caramel bars

Mom's Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 c. quick oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 c. margarine
• 24 caramels, unwrapped
  
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  

1. Combine flour, oats and sugar. Mix well.
2. Cut in 3/4 c. margarine until crumbly.
3. Reserving 1/2 cup crumb mix for topping, press remainder into 13x9 pan.
4. Bake 10 minutes int 350 for metal, 325 for glass pan.
5. Meanwhile over low heat, melt caramels with milk. Pour over prepared crust. Top with chocolate chips and then the remaining crumb mixture.
6. Bake for 20 more minutes.

These are yummo. What more can I say?