Krispy Chocolate Caramel Bars

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 14 ounces vanilla caramels
• 1/3 cup half-and-half or 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons shortening
• 3/4 cup crisp rice cereal

Recipe

• 1 heat oven to 350 degrees. unwrap the caramels.
• 2 lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. in medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. using pastry blender or fork, cut in 1/2 cup butter until crumbly. lightly press mixture in ungreased 13x9 inch pan. bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until light brown.
• 3 meanwhile. in heavy saucepan melt caramels, half and half and 1/4 cup butter over low heat, stirring constantly. spread over baked crust.
• 4 in medium saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips and shortening, stirring constantly. stir in cereal. carefully spread over filling. cool completely; cut into 36 bars.