Halloween Treats: Caramel Apples

This is my favorite time of year not only because Fall is so beautiful, the weather is so nice and Halloween is on it's way but because it is apple season. We live near several great orchards and this weekend's trip to pick apples is already planned. I am so ready for my Caramel apples.

Here are some tips to make the best Caramel apples:
1. Pick nice, unbruised apples, medium in size. Any kind will do, red, Granny Smith, Yellow Delicious.


2. Remove any stems and wash thoroughly and leave to dry on paper towel.

3. Heat caramel on low in pot on stove or even better, in a fondue or crockpot. Make sure it is on low!

4. Insert wooden sticks where stem of apples was. You can either use dowels or Popsicle type of sticks. The dowels seem to work better as they are rounded and thicker. You can find these at your local craft store.

5. Have prepared anything you are going to dip your caramel apples in; some ideas:
Chopped up peanuts
Mini M & Ms
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Chopped pecans
Peanut butter chocolate chips
Chopped Reeses peanut butter cups
Chopped heath bar
Melted chocolate for drizzling
Granola
Raisins

6. Dip the apples in the caramel, try to cover all sides. Let excess drip off a bit just so there is an even layer on the apple.

7. If you are coating with one of the scrumptious yummies listed above, you can gently roll the apple or drizzle the candy right on top. Be sure to have down foil or a towel for easy cleanup.

8. Place apple on wax paper or tin foil to harden.




9. Placing in the refrigerator will speed this up.

10. Enjoy!