Caramel Brownies

 1/3 c. evaporated milk
14 oz. package caramels (approximately 50 caramels)
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. evaporated milk
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
1 c. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk in double boiler. Heat, stirring constantly until melted (or microwave on high 4 minutes, stirring after each minute). Remove from heat and set aside.

In another bowl combine cake mix, 1/3 cup evaporated milk and butter; beat with mixer until mixture holds together. Stir in nuts. Press 1/2 of this mixture into 9x13 greased and floured pan. Bake 6 minutes.

Take out of oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips over crust and cover evenly with caramel mixture. Crumble remaining cake mixture on top. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Refrigerate. When cooled, cut into squares.

From whence it came:  This recipe was given to me by my sister-in-law, Lynn.  I have this wonderful memory of Lynn making these brownies in her kitchen many years ago while all her cute little blond kids sat at the counter and unwrapped all the caramels.  It's funny how we remember silly little things like that, but it's such a sweet memory of mine.  Lynn passed away over 17 years ago when all of her children were still very young.  At that time, her oldest was 11 years old and her youngest was 10 months.  That ten month old baby girl is graduating from high school this month, and I couldn't be more proud of her.  Boy do I love those blond nieces and nephews of mine, who are now all grown up and just as wonderful as their mom always dreamed they would be.  These brownies make me think of all of them, and especially of their momma.

Why it's blogable:  These brownies are really good, folks!  How can you go wrong with a combination of chocolate and caramel?  You can't!  Not even if you try!  I haven't made this recipe in so long, but for some reason is has just been on my mind lately.  I've been meaning to post it and today is the day.  They are very easy to make, and you can get your kids to unwrap the caramels for you.  Getting the family together in the kitchen is a good idea...a very good idea!  It creates memories that will last a lifetime!

Hope you enjoy stirring it up!