the taste of fall - part 4: ‘Kicked up’ Caramel Apples

This is really more of a procedure than a recipe. I usually start with the recipe from the bag of Kraft caramels for the basic caramel apples. 

• 1 bag Kraft caramels
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 medium apples (the recipe says 5, but I can never get 5 out of one bag of caramels)

Heat caramels and water in saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until caramel is melted and smooth. Meanwhile, wash and thoroughly dry the apples, and remove the stems. Push popsicle sticks into the stem side of the apple. Dip apples in caramel, spooning caramel over apple to coat evenly. Scrape excess off the bottom of the apple. The original recipe suggests setting the apples on buttered waxed paper, but I have found that a greased silicone baking liner works much better. Refrigerate the apples for one hour.

Then you jazz them up a bit…

The possiblities are endless. I got most of these ideas after browsing the array of $6 apples at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

• my personal favorite - dip chilled caramel apples in melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar
• drizzle melted chocolate over caramel apples, then sprinkle with nuts
• coat caramel apples in chocolate and then roll in your favorite candy or cookie…chopped Oreos, Snickers, M&Ms, etc…

A few tips:

• I like to use tart apples to balance the sweetness, but you can use any kind of apples you like. 
•  A half a bag of chocolate chips is plenty for 4 apples.
• Melt your chocolate (white or regular) in the microwave, at 50% power, with 2 tablespoons shortening for perfect drizzling/dipping consistency
• Let the melted chocolate cool to lukewarm before dipping apples. This will prevent the caramel from melting and oozing off the apple.
• Slice the apples before eating them. I know it isn’t as much fun if you don’t eat it off the stick, but it is a lot less messy!
• Caramel apples will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, if they last that long Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating.