Oatmeal Fudge Bars

This recipe is from the Lion House, a downtown Salt Lake historical treasure. I made them for a recent get together, and they were very gooey when warm. I put leftovers in the fridge, and they were firm and yummy, but I think I prefer them warm, although they were messy that way. Either way, they were easy to make and satisfying.

Oatmeal Fudge Bars

1 C butter
2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 C oats
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) bag semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 C butter
2 tsp vanilla
1 C chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 baking dish, set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar; add eggs and vanilla. In a small bowl, sift flour, soda and salt; add to creamed mixture. Mix in oats.
In a heavy saucepan mix sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and margarine until just melted (this can also be done in microwave). Stir in vanilla and nuts, if using.
Spread two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish. Spread chocolate mixture on top. Drop remaining dough on top by spoonfuls. Bake for 25 minutes.