Laura s Easy Oatmeal Squares

½ cup sliced almonds

½ cup butter

¾ 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.