Caramelized Apple Wedges Food

CARAMEL APPLE SLICES

Steps:

• Whisk sugar and 2 cups water in medium bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add apple slices. Refrigerate 10 min.
• Drain apples; dry completely. (Note: In order for the caramel sauce to stick to the apples, the apple slices need to be well chilled before drying and dipping into the caramel sauce.)
• Insert wooden pop stick into one end of each apple slice. Microwave caramels and remaining water in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until caramels are completely melted and mixture is well blended when stirred, stirring every 30 sec.
• Cover 13x9-inch baking sheet with parchment; spray with cooking spray. Combine nuts and toffee bits in pie plate. Dip peel sides of apple slices, 1 at a time, into caramel sauce. Hold dipped apple slice over bowl to let excess caramel drip back into bowl, then roll dipped side of apple slice into nut mixture. Return to baking sheet.
• Refrigerate 1 hour or until caramel is firm.

CARAMELIZED APPLES

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the apples to the pan and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
• Sauté the apples, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes, until they just start to turn tender.
• Sprinkle the apples with the remaining sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
• Toss the mixture gently and cook over medium heat for an additional 2 minutes, until the sugar begins to caramelize and the apples are crisp-tender.
• Transfer the apples from the skillet to a serving bowl with a slotted spoon.
• Turn the heat to high and add the apple cider to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
• Reduce the heat slightly and allow the cider and the pan juices to simmer for 1-3 minutes, until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
• If you desire a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a teaspoon of water, stir it into the sauce, and allow it to thicken for a moment.
• Pour the finished sauce over the warm apples and serve immediately.

CARAMEL-PECAN APPLE SLICES

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook and stir brown sugar and butter over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add apples; cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in pecans. Serve warm.