Oatmeal Fudgies (or, "Can You Handle This?")

Oatmeal Fudgies . . . one of the best dessert recipes I have, from my dear friend Peggy Stevenson via her friend Micaela Moulton.

OATMEAL FUDGIES

PART ONE: THE OATMEAL
1 C shortening
2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
4 C oatmeal

Mix ingredients, set 1C aside. Press remainder into greased 9x13 pan

PART TWO: THE FUDGY
1 pkg chocolate chips
1 C sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp vanilla

Carefully melt all ingredients except vanilla in microwave. Add vanilla. Pour over oatmeal mixture. Crumble "set aside" over fudge. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, let it sit overnight (if you can).