I think these Oatmeal Caramel Bars may have been the predecessor to the slutty brownie. They are scandalously delicious (based off the noises people make when they eat them) and they’re really quite easy to make. I’ve often heard this type of bar referred to as a “Carmelita,” which sounds rather saucy as well, like a Spanish go-go dancer. The oatmeal and lack of pre-packaged dough makes these a little more wholesome though (if melted caramel, heavy cream, brown sugar and butter is your idea of wholesome – passes my test) So, perhaps the Carmelita is an 18th century king’s mistress and the slutty brownies are, um, strippers?
Like any good mistress, the key to these bars is not to over bake the bottom layer. Wow, embarrassing… I have no idea where I was going with that simile. Anyway, if you over bake the bottom layer, the bars won’t slice well, they’ll crack. Plus, a soft and chewy oatmeal layer beats a rock hard oatmeal layer any day.
Adventures of a Hungry Redhead 