Oatmeal Carmelitas

I have had these before, but didn't know what they were called.  I just knew it had a whole lot of sweet goodness oozing from the center.  I finally figured out what they were and had to make them.  They are pretty easy to make really.  There is debate whether they should be called "Carmelitas" or "Caramelitas".  To me they are just a little square of goodness!
Very tasty, rich but addictive!  

OATMEAL CARMELITAS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups AP flour
• 2 cups oats
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 cups melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups choc. chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Filling:

• 14 oz pkg light caramels, unwrapped
• 1/3 c. light cream

OR

• 1 jar caramel ice cream topping
• 3 TBSP flour

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease 9x13 pan and set aside.  In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt and brown sugar.  Break up any chunks of brown sugar. Melt butter and add vanilla, then mix into dry ingredients until no more flour can be seen.

Press 1/2 of the mixture into the 9x13.  Reserve the rest for the top.

Prepare caramel filling.  Put caramels and cream in microwave in 30-40 second intervals, mixing between each interval, until melted OR mix in flour to jar of caramel topping.  Pour over crust.  Sprinkle nuts and chocolate chips over caramel.  Sprinkle remaining batter evenly over the top.  Bake for 22-25 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool at least 1 hour.