Chocolate Oat Squares

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.

In a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup butter with brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Stir in the oats, flour, baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt. Press two thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside remaining dough.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, chocolate chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir frequently until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in walnuts and remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Spread over the prepared crust and sprinkle with the reserved crust mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.