Caramel Apples
Parents have been experimenting with how to make leftovers interesting forever. And in the 1950s, a Kraft Foods employee named Dan Walker was doing just that with excess caramels from Halloween sales when something magical happened. He created caramel apples.
Today, these designer treats typically start at $50 in specialty shops, but you can delight and impress your family and friends by making them at a fraction of the cost. Through creative edible embellishments, they’re not just for fall any longer.
Choose apples that are crisp and tart but shaped so they’ll sit without rolling over. Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are all excellent choices. Also, take the time to select apples of uniform size and shape. When choosing the fruit, consider the finished size. Once the caramel, chocolates, and embellishments are applied, they’ll get big and very rich. So, if making for children, select small apples.
Although simple to prepare, they’re a bit of a process. What takes the most time—but no effort—is that the apples must be cold between each application. If not hard-cold, layers will melt with additional applications. How much time it takes depends on how many layers you add to your sweet treats. Charming wrappings can be created using clear plastic treat bags available at craft stores and some pretty or novelty ribbons.
Ingredients
1 11-oz package of Kraft Caramels
2 Tbsp. water
5 tart, crisp apples (number depends upon size)
1 package of Nestle’s white chocolate chips
1 package of Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nuts, sprinkles, or embellishments of your choice
Craft sticks
Directions
- Thoroughly wash and dry the apples, insert the craft sticks, and line them up on a baking sheet lightly coated with cooking spray, such as Pam. Refrigerate the apples.
- Melt caramels and water in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Moving quickly, coat each cold apple with caramel sauce. Place apples on the baking sheet and return them to the refrigerator.
- Melt the white chocolate in the microwave according to the package directions, coat the cold caramel apples, and return them to the refrigerator.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave per the package directions and coat the cold caramel/white chocolate apples.
- When you apply the final chocolate coating, immediately add embellishments, such as nuts, sprinkles, candy, or candied fruit, to make them stick. Immediately return the apples to the refrigerator for them to set.
- Store apples in the refrigerator.
***BIO***
Carolyn is an award-winning feature writer and has been a journalist for more than 30 years. Enjoy more on her blog including Chats With Authors, Book Reviews, 'What's on My Mind', and On the Table at www.carolyntillery.com!