Chocolate Nut Caramel Bars

11.5 oz. Chocolate Chips
1 tbsp Shortening
14 oz. Kraft Caramels
5 tbsp Butter or Margarine
2 tbsp Water
1 cup chopped Peanuts

Melt over hot water, chocolate chips and shortening. Stir until melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Pour half of chips into an 8 inch foil lined square pan; Spread evenly and refrigerate for 15 minutes or until firm. Return remaining chocolate mixture to low heat. In separate pan, combine over boiling water: caramels, butter, and water. Stir until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts until well blended. Pour into chocolate mixture pan. Refrigerate about 15 minutes. Top with remaining melted chocolate. Spread evenly to cover caramel filling. Return to refrigerator and chill until firm, about 1 hour. Cut into 1 by 2 inch squares. Refrigerate until ready to serves. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen bars.