Apple Jacks Caramels Food

CARAMEL APPLE SNACK MIX

Steps:

• In a large greased roasting pan, combine the popcorn, cereals and peanuts; set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup; bring to a rolling boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Cook, without stirring, until mixture turns a medium amber color, about 8 minutes. , Remove from the heat; quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda until mixture is light and foamy. Immediately pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. , Bake at 250° for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread mixture onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cool completely. Store in airtight containers.

PERFECT CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Mix 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Cook, swirling the pan (do not stir), until the mixture is light amber and a candy thermometer registers 320 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; slowly whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Return to low heat and whisk until smooth. Let cool until the caramel is thick enough to coat a spoon. Insert sticks into the stem ends of 6 apples and dip the apples into the caramel, letting the excess drip off. Roll in toppings if desired, then let cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

APPLE JACKS CARAMELS

Steps:

• 1. In 4-quart saucepan, melt unwrapped caramels and margarine over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat. Add cereal and nuts, stirring until cereal is evenly coated.2. Drop by rounded measuring-tablespoon onto waxed paper. With buttered fingers, roll in cinnamon candies or shape into balls, if desired. Cool completely and store in airtight container.

CARAMEL APPLE JACK O'LANTERNS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry apples thoroughly and remove stems. Insert a candy stick into the top of each apple and set aside.
• In a liquid measuring cup, combine heavy cream, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice and orange gel food coloring. Stir until color is evenly blended and set aside.
• Fill a large, heatproof bowl halfway with ice and water and set aside.
• Add sugar and corn syrup to a tall saucepan and stir with rubber spatula just to mix. Remove spatula and begin to melt sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Once fully melted, add in heavy cream mixture and stir until incorporated.
• Clip candy thermometer to side of saucepan and slowly bring to a boil over medium heat, but do not stir during this process. Once caramel reaches 242-244°F, remove saucepan from heat and place directly in ice water for a couple seconds to halt cooking process. Remove from ice water and stir in butter until incorporated.
• Pour caramel into a tall, heatproof liquid measuring cup and immediately begin dipping apples until completely coated. Allow excess caramel to drip off for a few seconds, then transfer to parchment paper. Once all apples are dipped, chill them in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before decorating, or up to 2 days.
• Before serving, roll out a small amount of black fondant and carve jack o'lantern faces from it. Arrange faces directly on the caramel apples and twirl pieces of green sour candy belts around candy sticks and down the sides of the apples to resemble pumpkin vines.
• Prep tip: Make sure apples are at room temperature before dipping so that the caramel adheres well to the skin.
• Note: If caramel cools too quickly before all of the apples are dipped, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm and pourable.