SALTED CARAMEL CANDIED PECAN CARMELITAS
Carmelitas are one of the most heavenly, decadent desserts that will ever pass your lips. It's an easy, one bowl, no mixer recipe that starts with a buttery, brown sugar, and oatmeal crust. The crust also doubles as the crumbly topping. Bake the crust briefly and top it with chocolate chips, candied pecans, and salted caramel before sprinkling on the oatmeal crumbles. Biting through the layers of the chewy oatmeal crust, the chocolate chips, the crunchy pecans, the salty-and-sweet caramel sauce that's gooey and wonderful, and the crisp topping is pure heaven. YIELD: one 8x8-inch pan, 9 to 12 generous squares PREP TIME: 5 minutes COOK TIME: about 25 minutes, divided TOTAL TIME: 3+ hours, for cooling INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup butter, melted (1 1/2 sticks; I use unsalted butter but salted may be used) 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup old-fashioned whole-rolled oats (not instant or quick cook)