Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars

Combine the corn syrup, butter, vanilla, peanut butter, and salt until creamy. Mix in the confectioners sugar. When the mixture is very thick, press it into a lightly greased 9x9-inch pan. Refrigerate. Melt the caramels in a double boiler over hot water. When soft mix in the peanuts. Pour over the mixture in the pan. Refrigerate. Melt the chocolate over in a microwave oven set on high for 2 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking time. When the mixture in the pan is firm, cut it into 2x1-inch bars. Spear a bar on a fork and dip into the melted chocolate. Tap to knock off any excess drips. Place on waxed paper to cool to room temperature. Makes about 2 dozen bars.