M & M Dream Bars

This will feed a whole bunch of hungry kids!!  Use seasonal M & M's - they make them look appealing.

2 c. oatmeal
1 c. brown sugar
1 t. baking soda
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. coconut, optional
1/2 t. salt
1 c. melted butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 c. peanut butter
1 c. M & M candies
1 c. chocolate chips

Combine oatmeal, brown sugar, soda, flour, coconut and salt.  Mix well.  Add melted butter, stir until moist.  Will be crumbly.  Reserve 1 1/2 c. crumbs.  Press remaining crumbs into greased 9x13-inch pan.  Bake 12 minutes at 375 degrees.  Combine milk and peanut butter.  Spread over baked crust.  Sprinkle M & M's and chocolate chips over top.  Sprinkle remaining crumbs over chocolate pieces.  Lightly press crumbs down.  Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool before cutting.

*I save 1/2 of the M & M's for the top.
*You can double this recipe and bake in a 12x17-inch cookie sheet.  Bake same times and temperatures.