How to Make Candy Apples With Kids

Candied apples are favorites any time of the year.

Kids don't need a holiday to enjoy candied apples. But it's a special treat for them to help with preparation -- which also provides good instruction in cooking basics. You can let youngsters pick out the best apples, find recipes for the candying mixture, select different toppings and help with the process.

Things You'll Need

• 6 apples
• 6 craft sticks
• Baking sheet
• Non-stick spray
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1/2 cup cinnamon red hot candies, crushed
• Candy thermometer
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Wash six apples and remove the stems.

2. Insert craft sticks into the apples in place of the stems.

3. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside.

4. Dissolve the sugar and water in a heavy saucepan.

5. Stir in lemon juice, cream of tartar and crushed cinnamon red-hot candy.

6. Continue to stir while adding red food coloring until the mixture reaches 310 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by a candy thermometer.

7. Remove the saucepan from heat and dip the apples, turning to coat them evenly.

8. Roll the apples in shredded coconut, chopped nuts or other toppings, then set on the baking sheet to cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Let kids prepare the apples and baking sheet, pre-measure the ingredients and roll the apples in the different toppings -- which may also include chocolate chips and sprinkles.

• Adults should handle the saucepan and candy thermometer, and supervise the dipping operation.

References

• allrecipes.com: Caramel Apples
• COOKS.COM: Candied Apples
• allrecipes.com: Candied Apples