Chocolate Caramel Bars

I've had this recipe since college, and feel it makes the best chocolate caramel bars in the history of the universe!

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
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1 cup butter, melted
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6 ounces chocolate chips
14 ounces caramel candy, Hershey's work well
1/3 cup milk

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat over 350 degrees. Grease 9x13 pan.
2. Mix first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in butter with fork until crumbly. 3. Press 1/2 into pan. Bake for 10 min.
4. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Drizzle with caramel mixture.
5. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over top. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown - 20-25 min.
6. Cool 30 minutes. Loosen edges from sides of pan.
7. Cool completely, cut into bars.

CARAMEL MIXTURE:
Heat caramels and milk over low heat. Stir frequently until smooth.
OR
Microwave on high for 2 min 30 secs in Pampered Chef Micro-cooker, stirring after each minute.

All Purpose Taco Blend

This recipe is from my friend, Lisa. She made us quesadillas using it, and I made grilled stuffed burritos with it last night. Also good for taco salad, taco casserole and whatever else you have in mind!

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 can black beans, canned
1 small can chopped green chiles, undrained
1 package onion soup mix
1 can diced tomatoes, Mex Style, undrained
1 package taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1 package Spanish rice mix, cooked

Directions:
1. Brown beef and add all ingredients
2. Simmer mixture 5-7 min and add water as needed