How to Make Caramel Apples for Labor Day

Caramel apples are one of the few Labor Day delicacies that everybody enjoys. While most people usually buy them at festivals or while strolling through the local park, caramel apples can be easily made at home with minimal preparation. In fact, making caramel apples during Labor Day weekend can easily become a family tradition and a great way to welcome the autumn season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chopped nuts, popcorn or chocolate syrup (for topping)
• Popsicle sticks
• Milk caramels
• Brown sugar
• Firm apples (green or red)
• Butter

Get Cooking

1. Choose apples that are firm to the touch and preferably not sandy. Both green and red apples can be used. Red apples provide a sweet flavor which goes well with caramel, while green apples provide a tangy element to complement the caramel's sugary flavor.

2. Wash and dry the apples before using them, even if you've washed them previously. Not only will this help eliminate bacteria, but caramel will stick better to clean apples.

3. Melt the caramels in the microwave. You can add 1 tbsp. of water or milk to make the mixture less solid. To make your own caramel, mix butter, light brown sugar and water in a bowl and cook on the stove over medium heat until the mix acquires a syrupy consistence.

4. Use popsicle sticks to pierce the apples and dip them into the caramel while the mixture is still hot.

5. Roll the apples on chopped nuts or popcorn, or add some chocolate syrup on top for a twist on the classic flavor.

6. Refrigerate the apples for a couple of hours, until the caramel hardens.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative when it comes to toppings. Anything from crumbled cookies to candy and nuts make great toppings for caramel apples.
• Personalize your caramel apples by drawing faces or writing phrases in the caramel while it is still soft.
• Buy your Labor Day apples from a local farmer's market, rather than a supermarket. You may get a better deal, and you might find locally grown apples have better flavor than those which are shipped across the country.
• Don't place apples on a regular dish after dipping them in caramel. Use a greased cookie sheet or waxed paper so the caramel doesn't stick.
• Bake the apples for about 10 minutes after dipping in caramel. This will soften the apples and harden the caramel at the same time.
• Watch your apples carefully to avoid overcooking. Soft apples will actually absorb the caramel, allowing the toppings to become loose.