1 (11 1/2 ounce) package (2 cups) milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 (14 ounce) package caramels
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons water
1 cup chopped walnuts or peanuts

Melt over hot (not boiling) water, the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Stir until melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Pour 1/2 of melted chocolate into greased 8-inch square pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate until firm, 15 minutes.

Return remaining chocolate mixture to low heat.

Melt caramels and butter with water over low heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in nuts until well blended. Pour into chocolate-lined pan. Spread evenly. Refrigerate until tacky (15 minutes).

Top with remaining melted chocolate and spread over caramel filling. Return to refrigerator and chill until firm (1 hour).

Cut into 1-inch squares. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

NOTE: Ingredients may be melted in microwave.