Streusel Caramel Bars

These dessert bars are very rich, and should be cut into small squares for serving. They are excellent as part of a sweet tray. Streusel Caramel Bars 2 cups unsifted flour 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 egg -- beaten 3/4 cup butter -- cold 3/4 cup chopped nuts 24 caramels -- unwrapped 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a large bowl combine flour, brown sugar and egg; cut in 1/2 cup butter until crumbly, stir in nuts. 3. Reserving 2 cups of the crumb mixture, press remainder firmly on bottom of a greased 13 X 9 baking pan. Bake 15 minutes. 4. Meanwhile in a heavy saucepan over low heat melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk and remaining 1/4 cup butter. 5. Pour over prepared crust, top with remaining crumb mixture and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly. 6. Cool and cut into bars, store loosely covered at room temperature. Variation: Melt 2 oz of unsweetened chocolate with caramels and proceed as above.