Chewy Oat Bars

2 1/3 cups all purpose flour, divided
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted
3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts
1 jar (12.25 ounce) caramel ice cream topping

Combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda in a large bowl.

Add butter; stir until all of the ingredients are moistened.

Reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture; press the remaining mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13×9 inch pan.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes until lightly browned.

Remove from the oven.

Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and nuts.

Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture(press down).

Return to the oven; bake an additional 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool completely before cutting into bars.