Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Heat oven to 350F.

Set aside 2 tablespoons of the butter. Beat remaining butter in large bowl on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, beat until combined. Beat in eggs and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla.

Stir together flour and baking soda in another large bowl; stir in oats. Gradually stir flour mixture into beaten mixture. Set aside.

Combine reserved 2 tablespoons butter, the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in a medium sauce pan. Cook over low heat until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally, remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of the almonds and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla.

Press two-thirds of the oats mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 15X10X1 inch pan. Spread chocolate mixture over the oats.Using your fingers, dot remaining oats mixture over the chocolate. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup almonds.

Bake about 25 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 2×1 bars. Makes about 75 bars.