About Caramel Apples
Caramel apples generally appear during holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Often considered a fall treat, caramel apples are also associated with fairs and carnivals because they've become popular sale items for mobile vendors.
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History
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According to the St. Petersburg Times, caramel apples were invented in the 1950s. The creator, Dan Walker, was a sales representative working for Kraft Foods. Kraft Foods, who also sold small individually wrapped caramels, continues to print the recipe for caramel apples on the backs of their caramel bags. In 1960, Vito Raimondi, with the help of his uncle William Raimondi, invented and patented the first caramel apple machine.
Types
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A simple caramel apple recipe requires only apples, a package of caramels and sticks. To make caramel apples, wash and dry the apples. Then twist off the apple stems and push the sticks into the stem areas. Melt the caramel in a pan on low heat or in a microwave. Dip the apples into the caramel, using a utensil to ensure the entire apple is coated. Then simply place the apple on a sheet of wax paper, stick side up, to cool. Finally, place the apples in the refrigerator so that the caramel can harden, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Function
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Caramel apples can serve many purposes. They are ideal Halloween treats for family and friends; however, it is generally not advisable to hand them out to strangers. Caramel apples add a fall feel to any dessert display for a dinner party or family gathering. They can also make festive gifts for many occasions, including Christmas if they are wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bow.
Potential
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The popularity of caramel apples propelled many food and candy businesses to add this item to their inventories. Gourmet caramel apples can be purchased from specialty candy shops. Many apple orchards and cider mills sell caramel apples to their visitors. Caramel apples can even be purchased online and shipped to locations around the world.
Expert Insight
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Making caramel apples can be a fun event. Simply set up a caramel apple station with apples (already skewered), a dish of hot caramel sauce and a variety of other treats to enhance the caramel apple, such as pretzels, sprinkles, chocolate flakes and nuts. Create a caramel apple making contest where the best caramel apple wins a prize. These types of set-ups can be especially fun for Halloween parties or children's birthday parties in the fall.
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