Green and Gold Oat Bars

St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite holidays to bake for. Not because I'm Irish, because I'm not, and not because green and gold were my high school colors (Go Wolves!), but because it's the birthday of one of my favorite Aunts! She is so spunky and spontaneous and so much fun to be around. She had 5 crazy boys before she finally got her girly girl but has more energy than anyone I know. She is a great friend and always supportive and willing to help me with anything. Not to mention she LOVES to eat treats with me! Happy Birthday, Aunt Patty! I love you so much!
This festive and easy recipe is adapted from the M&M Oat Bars from Taste of Home. I work with some really fun girls at church and the cute 17 year old twins (M&M) brought this recipe to our little recipe swap we had because it's their favorite treat. I was really excited to make it this weekend and can't wait to share them with the group this afternoon.

After Valentine's Day I bought some bags of only green m&Ms on clearance so I could do something fun with them on St. Patty's Day and was so glad I did when I was getting ready to make these. It makes them that much more fun!

Green & Gold Oat Bars

1/2 C butter
1 C brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 C oats
1 14 oz package of caramels
3 T water
1 C mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 C green m&ms

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar and beat until fluffly. Beat in egg and vanilla.

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl and add to sugar mixture. Stir in oats.

Press mixture into a greased 8x11 glass baking dish and bake at 350 for about 12 minutes.

Melt the caramels and water, and stir until very smooth. Spread over entire crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips and m&ms over the caramel and press gently so that stick well. Let stand at least 5 minutes before cutting.

Happy St. Patricks Day!