Ooey Gooey Caramel Brownies

These brownies are also known as Knock You Naked Brownies.  The recipe supposedly originated from the Salt Creek Restaurant in Breckenridge, Colorado.  These brownies are loaded with chocolate, nuts, and ooey gooey caramel.  They are kind of time consuming and they have to cool completely before serving, but they are so worth it!

1 (18.5 oz) package German Chocolate cake mix - NO SUBSTITUTIONS

1 cup chopped nuts

1/3 + 1/2 cup evaporated milk, divided

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

60 caramels (about one 14 oz package); unwrapped

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

powdered sugar for dusting the top

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, nuts, 1/3 cup evaporated milk and melted butter. Press half of the batter into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
• In the microwave or top of a double boiler melt caramels with remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk. When caramel mixture is totally smooth, pour over baked layer. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Chill for about an hour or until the caramel is hard. Press the remaining batter on top of chocolate chips. Return to oven and bake 28 minutes (or less for gooier brownies). Let cool completely.  Dust with powdered sugar.
• NOTE:  Salt Creek Restaurant serves with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.