Preheat the oven to 350, spray a 9 x 13, line it with parchment so that it has 2 overhanging ‘handles’ and spray the parchment.  In a large bowl, or using your electric mixer (what I used), combine the butter and brown sugar, then add in the eggs and vanilla, then the oatmeal, flour, salt and baking soda.  Diane actually tossed everything all in at once so I’m pretty sure this recipe is really difficult to ruin.  Mix all until well combined and everything sticks together.

In a medium pot on low heat, stir together the condensed milk, chocolate chips, butter and vanilla until all is melted, combined and smooth.  Turn up the heat to make this step go faster, at your own risk.

Spread about 2/3’s of the oat mix across the bottom of your prepared pan and press down evenly – you’re really just pressing in hopes of removing the fudge bars in actual slices when they’re cooled.  Scrape and pour the fudge over all and use a spatula to spread as evenly as possible, then use your hands to break up and blob the remaining oatmeal mix over the fudge layer.  Press the blobs down lightly to make them stick in place.

Bake for about 25 minutes until the visible oat bits are starting to brown.  It’s actually impossible to tell when these bars are truly done, so do your best and really just aim to not overcook them.  Allow them to cool completely before attempting to lift them out onto a cutting board to slice.  Everyone who tried these thought they were to die for so maybe don’t let on how easy these are!