Caramel Brownies

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. baking cocoa
1 c. canola oil
4 eggs
1/4 c. 2% milk
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 c. (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped walnuts, divided
14 oz. caramels
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

Directions:
In a large bowl, beat the sugar, cocoa, oil, eggs and milk.  Combine the flour, salt and baking powder; gradually add to egg mixture until well blended.  Fold in chocolate chips and 1/2 c. walnuts.

Spoon 2/3 of the batter into a greased 9x13 baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the caramels and condensed milk over low heat until caramels are melted.  Pour over baked brownie layer.  Sprinkle with remaining walnuts.

Drop remaining batter by teaspoonfuls over caramel layer; carefully swirl brownie batter with a knife.

Bake 35-40 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean with moist crumbs (do not overbake).  Cool on a wire rack.