Caramel Dipped Local Apples 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.)

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.

CARAMEL-DIPPED APPLES

Steps:

• Wash apples, then dry completely. (Note: In order for the caramel sauce to stick to the apples, the apples need to be well chilled before washing, drying and dipping in the caramel sauce.)
• Insert wooden pop stick into stem end of each apple. Microwave caramels and water in large glass microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 to 2-1/2 min. or until caramels are completely melted and mixture is well blended when stirred.
• Cover large plate with parchment; spray with cooking spray. Dip apples, 1 at a time, into caramel sauce, turning to evenly coat each apple. Hold dipped apple over bowl to let excess caramel drip back into bowl.
• Refrigerate 1 hour or until caramel is firm. Remove apples from refrigerator 15 min. before serving. (Note: Caramel apples can be refrigerated up to 2 days before serving.)

CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Insert a wooden stick into the stem end of each apple. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Make the caramel: Melt the sugar and corn syrup in a large pot over medium-high heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until combined. Don't stress if it starts to clump: It will eventually even out. Cook, swirling the pan but not stirring, until dark amber in color and a candy thermometer registers 245 degrees F, 8 to 12 minutes.
• Add the butter all at once, stirring until incorporated. Turn down the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream (the mixture will foam up); whisk until smooth.
• Increase the heat to medium high and bring the caramel up to 250 degrees F, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Dip the apples in the caramel and roll in crushed cookies; place on the baking sheet to set, 5 to 10 minutes.

COOKIE & CARAMEL DIPPED APPLES

Steps:

• Wash apples, then dry completely. (Note: In order for the caramel sauce to stick to the apples, the apples need to be well chilled before washing, drying and dipping in the caramel sauce.)
• Insert wooden pop stick into stem end of each apple. Cook caramels and water in saucepan on medium-low heat until caramels are completely melted, stirring frequently.
• Dip apples, 1 at time, in caramel, then spoon enough of the remaining caramel over apple until coated. Roll in chopped cookies, pressing cookies gently into caramel to secure. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet; let stand 25 min. or until caramel is firm.
• Melt chocolate as directed on package; stir in food coloring. Cool 15 min. Drizzle over apples; let stand 10 min. or until firm. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove apples from refrigerator 15 min. before serving. (Note: Caramel apples can be refrigerated up to 2 days before serving.)