Step 1

HEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 x 9-inch pan with no-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

COMBINE oats, 1 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, shortening, water, baking soda and salt in large bowl; stir with spoon until well blended. Reserve 1 cup. Press remaining into bottom of prepared pan.

Step 3

BAKE 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Remove pan to cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes.

Step 4

SPRINKLE with nuts and chocolate chips.

Step 5

COMBINE caramel topping and remaining 1/4 cup flour. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over chocolate chips to within 14 inch of pan edges. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture.

Step 6

RETURN to oven. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Loosen from sides of pan with knife. Remove pan to cooling rack to cool. Cool completely.

Step 7

CUT into bars about 2 x 1 1/2 inches.