How to Make Homemade Gourmet Caramel Apples

Caramel apples, sometimes known as candy apples, are popular treats at fairs and carnivals around the country, and are traditionally served around Halloween. They are made by dipping apples into caramel and nuts and allowing the caramel to set around the apple. This recipe yields six homemade gourmet caramel apples, but the recipe may be doubled or tripled to create a larger batch if necessary.

Things You'll Need

• 6 large apples 6 wooden craft sticks Large cookie sheet Wax paper Vegetable cooking spray 1/2 cup chopped nuts of choice Medium-size bowl 14-oz. bag caramel candies 2 tbsp. water Small sauce pan Spoon

Instructions

1. Wash the apples thoroughly. Dry them and remove the stems. Insert one wooden craft stick into the end of each apple where the stem was removed. Set aside.

2. Cover a large cookie sheet with wax paper. Spray the paper lightly with vegetable cooking spray to coat. Pour the chopped nuts into a medium-size bowl and set aside.

3. Remove the plastic wrappers from the caramel candies, if applicable. Combine the candies with 2 tbsp. water in a small sauce pan. Turn the heat to medium-low and place the pan on the stove.

4. Stir the mixture constantly while warming until the caramel has completely melted and a smooth consistency is achieved. Remove the pan from the heat and set on a flat surface near the cookie sheet and bowl of nuts.

5. Dip one apple at a time into the caramel. Use a spoon to coat all sides of the apple and allow any excess caramel to drip off into the pan. Dip the apple into the bowl of nuts, and then place it on the prepared cookie sheet.

6. Continue until all apples have been coated. Place the gourmet caramel apples in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until completely set. Remove from the refrigerator and serve immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Granny Smith apples for a more tart caramel apple, or Red Delicious for a sweeter result. Use any type of nuts you have on hand or prefer for dipping the caramel apples. Walnuts, pecans or almonds are traditionally used. Optionally, you may dip the apples in chocolate sprinkles, crushed candies or cookies or shredded coconut. Homemade gourmet caramel apples make great gifts. Wrap them in cellophane and tie with a ribbon. It's best to keep them refrigerated after packaging until ready to eat.

References

• Book: The Family Table: Where Great Food, Friends, and Family Gather Together; Christy Rost; 2003