Caramel Apples

Back to School Series: Day 4

Caramel Apple Recipe

Caramel apples make a fun addition to school themed parties, gifts for teachers,
or even a fun fall treat!

I did not use a traditional recipe for this, so any suggestions or enhancements you want to contribute are welcome. I based my recipe off of what seemed like a good/logical idea. I gathered caramel candies, chocolate chips (both to melt, and mini chips to sprinkle on the finished product), and chopped nuts.

Next, I washed and thoroughly dried the apples. Then I poked the apples with a wooden skewer.

On low heat I melted the caramel candies

I watched the process closely and stirred the candies often

After completely melted, I dipped the apples into the hot pot of melted caramel

Then rested each apple on a parchment lined baking sheet

...There is a process to remove the puddle of caramel at the bottom of the apple--but this was a stress free/simplified process, so I skipped it

after allowing the caramel to cool for a couple of minutes I used a spoon to drizzle on melted chocolate

I then sprinkled the apples with nuts and mini chocolate chips

Using small cellophane bags and festive ribbon, I wrapped each apple

Why I tend to not like caramel apples...

I think caramel apples look so yummy in the display cases of candy and fudge stores.
But when I have bought one and bitten into it, I usually end up dissatisfied.

In my opinion, the mistake made with caramel apples are three-fold:

1) they are coated with too many toppings and can become difficult to eat.
2) the toppings are waxy or flavorless

3) while cute, eating food on a stick is not easy; especially big caramel apples!

The good news...
I found a solution to #3!

So, while scanning the web I came across these mini caramel apples
that seemed to fix all of my previous discontent with this popular fall treat.
The Pleated Poppy made this

I am assuming she either used baby apples or a large melon baller to scoop small rounds from regular sized apples. Then, she dipped the apple into melted caramel. Another options would be to dip the apple in melted chocolate or melted toffee or smooth peanut butter onto it. I love the idea of small, bite size caramel apples!