Caramel Candy Bars

I discovered this recipe in my mom's fabulous cookbook. My hubby loves Twix bars so this sounded as close as I could get to a homemade Twix. He said it didn't taste exactly like Twix, but he LOVED these bars! They are super delicious!

1 package (14 ounces) caramel candies

1/3 cup milk

2 cups flour

2 cups quick-cooking or regular oats

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 cup margarine or butter softened

12 ounces of semi sweet chocolate chips (divided)

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch pan. Heat candies and milk in a 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth; remove from heat. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and egg in large bowl. Stir in margarine with fork until mixture is crumbly. Press half of the crumbly mixture in pan. Bake 10 minutes. Sprinkle with 6 ounces of chocolate chips and walnuts (if adding nuts); drizzle with caramel mixture. Sprinkle remaining crumbly mixture over top. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Put remaining 6 ounces of chocolate chips on top of the bars (leave this step out if you want the bars less chocolately). Cool 30 minutes. Loosen edges from sides of pan; cool completely. Cut into bars.