Laura's Easy Oatmeal Squares

This is a super easy recipe using ingredients that are usually on hand. Try using walnuts or butterscotch chips as a variation.

Original recipe makes 16 servings

1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Spread the almonds onto a baking sheet; toast until the nuts are golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove nuts from baking sheet, and reserve.
Melt butter in a small saucepan placed over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar; cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved and mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and oatmeal. Press mixture into an 8 x 8 inch baking pan. Bake in preheated oven until lightly browned and set, about 20 minutes.
Remove from oven, and allow to cool slightly. Sprinkle chocolate chips over surface; let chocolate sit until melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread chocolate evenly over oatmeal squares. Sprinkle warm chocolate with toasted almonds. Cut into squares when cool.