Caramel Apple Monster Munch Food

CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Add the sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir a few times before the sugar begins to boil to combine the ingredients. Attach a candy thermometer to the inside of the pan and bring the syrup to a boil. Cook until the syrup begins to turn an amber color, then swirl the syrup to even out the color. Continue to cook until the syrup is a deep amber and the thermometer reads between 375 and 380 degrees F, then remove from the heat. Carefully pour in the cream and gently whisk to combine. Stir in the butter, vanilla and a pinch of salt until smooth. Keep off the heat but keep the thermometer attached to the pan.
• Pierce the apples through the stem ends about halfway through with candy apple sticks. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• When the temperature of the caramel reads around 190 degrees F, dip an apple, using the stick as a handle and swirling to coat completely. Allow excess caramel to drip off the bottom and use a spatula to help remove any large amount of caramel, as it will pool around the apple when you set it down to cool on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining apples, gently heating the caramel on the stovetop over low heat, stirring, if it gets too thick for dipping. Allow the caramel to set and cool completely before serving or wrapping apples, about 1 hour. (See Cook's Note.)

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

Steps:

• Combine the caramels, cream, butter and vanilla in a small slow cooker. Cook on low, stirring every 20 minutes, until the mixture is melted, about 1 hour.
• Core the apples and slice into eighths. Skewer the ice-pop sticks into the apple slices. Dip the apple slices into the caramel sauce, letting excess drip off, then dip into the toppings of choice.
• For a cookies and cream flavor, Marcela coats the apples with crushed cookies and chocolate sauce.
• For a salted caramel apple, Katie sprinkles with chopped salted peanuts and sea salt.
• For a sweet take on breakfast, Jeff adds crushed cereal and mini white chocolate chips.
• For a Halloween treat, Sunny breaks up chocolate peanut butter bars and mini candy-coated chocolates for dipping.
• For a caramel apple easier than pie, GZ dips his into brown sugar and cinnamon.

MONSTER CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Wash and thoroughly dry apples; insert a wooden stick into each. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; chill. Place cookie crumbs in a shallow dish; set aside. , In a heavy 3-qt. saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, milk and corn syrup; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until mixture reaches 248° (firm-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 30-40 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. , Dip each apple into hot caramel mixture to completely coat, then dip the bottom in cookie crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Return to baking sheet to cool. , In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Transfer to a small plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Drizzle coating over apples. Decorate with sprinkles.