Chocolate Caramel Bars

2 1/4 cups flour, divided
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups cold butter
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice cream topping -or-1 bag kraft caramels (I use these)

* In a bowl combine2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or 2 butter knives, until crumbly. set half aside for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13x9 pan. Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, if using kraft caramels, melt with 1/8 cup water in the microwave. stir until smooth, add flour. If using carameltopping, stir in flour. Sprinkle cooked crust with chocolate chips and pecans. Drizzle caramel over top. sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 18 to 20minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before cutting.