Caramel Apple Bars

1/2 cup margarine, softened

1/4 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 1/3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups oatmeal

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 1/2 cups coarsely chopped apples (~3 medium apples)
3 Tbsp flour
1 pkg (14 oz) caramel candies

Preheat oven to 400.  Mix brown sugar, margarine, and shortening.  Stir in 1 1/3 cups flour, oatmeal, salt, baking soda.  Remove 2 cups of the mixture; reserve.  Press remaining mixture in ungreased 9x13 casserole dish.  Toss apples with 3 Tbsp. of flour and spread over mixture in casserole dish.  Heat candies over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted; pour evenly over apples.  Top with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.  Bake until golden brown and apples are tender, 25-30 minutes.  Cut into bars. 

(Variation:  Use Caramel Bits instead of melting whole carmels.  Sprinkle caramel bits over apples, without melting first.)