Caramel Apple Crunch Bars

1 16 oz. tub Marzetti® Old Fashioned Caramel Dip

1⁄2 tsp. baking soda

1⁄2 cup butter, softened

11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄4 cup shortening

13⁄4 cups quick cooking oats

1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. salt 4

1⁄2 cups favourite apples, peeled and chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, salt and baking soda. In a large mixing bowl, blend together butter, shortening and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add dry mixture and blend to form a crumbly mixture. Measure and set aside 2 cups crumbs. Press remaining crumbs into a 9 x 13” pan. Spread apples into an even layer over crust. Transfer the Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip to a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 to 40 seconds or until warm. Stir until smooth. Pour over apples and sprinkle remaining crumbs over all. Bake on middle rack of oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and apples are tender. Cut into desired size bars while slightly warm and serve. Store remaining bars covered in refrigerator.