How to Use a Double Boiler to Melt Caramel for Apples

A double boiler is useful for making caramel apples.

Melting the caramel for coating apples can be tricky, because caramel can scorch over direct heat. A double boiler is ideal for melting caramel, since the cooking pan is heated indirectly with hot water rather than a direct flame or heating coil. A double boiler is essentially two saucepans, with one that nests on top of the other.

Things You'll Need

• Double doiler
• Wooden spoon
• 1 pound caramels
• 2 tbsp. water or milk

Instructions

1. Fill the bottom pan of the double boiler about halfway with water. The top pan should sit over the water, not in it.

2. Heat water over medium-high heat. When water starts to boil, reduce the heat to allow the water to simmer. Nest the cooking pan on top. Add caramels and water or milk to the top pan.

3. Stir the caramels as they melt, until they become smooth and uniform. The caramel is now ready for apple dipping.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also nest a glass bowl on top of a regular saucepan to make a double boiler.

• Melted caramel is very hot--take care not to get it on your skin.

References

• "Joy of Cooking, 75th Anniversary Edition", Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker; 2006