Hip Paddies

This recipe comes from my husband's aunt and I was in love at first bite. Others must experience this phenomenon as well because these bars disappear quickly wherever I bring them!  It can be a bit tricky to spread the first layer of dough in the pan but as you spread the dough it will warm up and stick to the pan instead of clumping together.

Chocolate:

1 can sw. condensed milk

2 Tbsp butter

1 cup chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Dough:

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp soda

1 1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Heat sweetened condensed milk, butter and chocolate chips until all chocolate chips are melted.  Add vanilla and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and brown sugar; add egg and vanilla.  Mix in dry ingredients.  Press 2/3 of dough mixture in greased 9 x 13 pan.  Pour chocolate mixture on top.  Sprinkle on remaining dough mixture in clumps.  Add 1/2 cup nuts if desired.  Bake for 25 minutes.