Candy Fudge Bars

This is a yummy Southern Living recipe I pulled out of the 2004 Christmas with Southern Living book. Enjoy!
2 c uncooked quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 c chopped pecans
1 c firmly packed light brown sugar
1 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 c butter, melted
1 1/2 c M&M's, divided
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

Combine first 6 ingredients, stirring well. Add butter, and stir or beat at low speed with an electric mixer until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 c crumb mixture; press remaining crumb mixture into a lightly greased 13x9 pan. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes, Cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350.

Place 1 c M&M's in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after 30 seconds. Press M&M's with back of a spoon to mash them. (The candies will almost be melted with the coating still visible.) Stir in sweetened condensed milk. Spread mixture evenly over crust in pan, leaving a 1/2 inch border on all sides.

Combine reserved 1 1/2 c crumb mixture and remaining 1/2 c M&M's; sprinkle evenly over chocolate mixture, and press lightly.Bake at 350 for 25 to 28 minutes or until golden; cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Yield: 3 dozen