Maple Caramel For Apples Food

CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Skewer the stem-end of the apples with popsicle sticks. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with wax paper. Place desired coatings in large shallow bowls.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, milk, corn syrup, maple syrup, vanilla, molasses and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil until it registers 236 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Immediately pour the caramel into a heatproof bowl; let cool to 200 degrees F.
• Dip the apples in the desired coatings. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets to set and let cool completely.

SPICED BAKED APPLES WITH MAPLE CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a small cake or baking pan. Use a vegetable peeler to peel a strip of skin from around stem of each apple. Use a melon baller or grapefruit spoon to scoop out core of each apple, leaving at least 1/4 inch at base. Stand apples in pan and use a paring knife to make 6 vertical cuts surrounding cavity, being sure not to pierce through bottom of apple.
• Place 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon maple syrup into cavity of each apple. Mix together brown sugar, pecans and raisins, and stuff 1/4 of this mixture into each apple. Pour remaining maple syrup and the wine into bottom of pan, and add cardamom, cloves, ginger and cinnamon.
• Bake apples, basting with liquid in pan every 5 to 7 minutes, until tender yet not collapsed, 45 minutes to an hour. Serve warm or at room temperature, with custard if desired.