Chewy Caramel Bars

3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup flour
1 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
32 caramels, unwrapped
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons milk
1 package (6 oz) chocolate chips, about 1 cup

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, flour, oatmeal, brown sugar,
and baking soda; mix well.

Put 3/4 of butter-oatmeal mixture in an ungreased 9x13 pan, pressing evenly over the bottom of pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine the caramels, butter, and milk and heat, stirring, until the caramels are melted. Pour caramel mixture over the baked crust and sprinkle with chocolate
chips. Top with remaining butter-oatmeal mixture.

Bake for 15 minutes more. Cool and cut into small bars.