Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13" x 9" baking pan. In large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat shortening and brown sugar until mixed. Add egg; beat until well blended. In medium bowl, combine 1-1/2 c. flour, salt and baking soda. With mixer at low speed (or by hand), beat flour mixture into shortening mixture just until blended. Add oats; mix well. Reserve 1-1/4 c. oat mixture for topping; press remaining mixture into prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl, toss apples with 2 T. flour and lemon juice. Distribute apple mixture evenly over prebaked crust; press in lightly. Drizzle melted caramel evenly over apples; crumble reserve topping evenly over caramel. Bake 30 to 40 minutes longer, or until apples are tender ant top is golden brown. Loosen caramel from sides of pan with knife. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

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