Perfect Caramel Apples Food

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 APPLES

Steps:

• Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet.
• Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly.
• Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set.

CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Wash and completely dry the apples. Insert a stick into the stem end of each.
• Line a 9-by-9-inch or 7-by-11-inch baking pan with foil. Place the chopped nuts into the lined pan.
• Fit a heavy-bottomed saucepan with a candy thermometer. Over high heat, cook 3/4 cup of the cream, the corn syrup, butter, and sugar to 280 degrees F (firm ball); at this point the syrup will be golden. Remove from the heat and carefully swirl in the remaining 1/4 cup of cream and the vanilla. Use caution; this is very hot and it may splatter.
• While the caramel is hot, dip and turn the apples into the caramel to coat and let the excess drip off. Dip the bottoms into the chopped nuts. Arrange the apples on a nonstick or waxed paper-lined cookie sheet and let cool.

THE BEST CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Dip apples in boiling water for a few seconds, then dry with paper towels to remove any wax from the peels. Set apples aside; when completely cool, insert a wooden chopstick firmly into the bottom of each apple for a handle.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Stir butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk together in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees F (120 degrees C), 25 to 30 minutes; stir constantly to prevent burning. A teaspoon of the syrup, dropped in a glass of cold water, should form a firm ball. Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel to completely coat the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle. Sprinkle apples with any desired toppings while still hot. Let caramel apples cool on the parchment paper. Use caution, caramel is very hot.

PERFECT CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• In a heavy 4-quart or larger saucepan, preferably nonstick, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water until the sugar is completely moistened.
• Heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is bubbling, about 5 minute.
• Stop stirring and allow it to boil undisturbed until it turns a deep amber .
• Immediately remove it from the heat and slowly and carefully pour the hot cream into the caramel.
• It will bubble up furiously.
• Using a high-temperature, heat-resistant rubber spatula, or a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until smooth, scraping up the thicker part that settles on the bottom.
• If any lumps develop, return the pan to the heat and stir until they dissolve.
• Stir in the butter.
• The mixture will be streaky but will become uniform after cooking slightly and stirring.
• Allow to cool for 3 minutes and then gently stir in the vanilla extract.

SPOOKY CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Remove stems from apples and insert stick into each apple. Set aside.
• Place chopped nuts into small pie pan or dish. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt caramels with 2 tablespoons water, stirring until smooth. Reduce heat to the lowest setting just to keep caramel melted (if using an electric stove turn off but keep pan on burner ).
• Preparing one apple at a time, dip apple into the melted caramel, twirling to remove excess. Immediately roll caramel coated apple into the nuts.
• Place on wax paper to set, while preparing the remainder of the apples.
• Put chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave safe bowl.Melt on high for 30 seconds to one minute. Pour melted chocolate into a thick large plastic bag (ziplock baggies works well).
• Snip a tiny hole in corner of bag and drizzle chocolate over apples, while holding and turning apple to cover all sides.
• Chill for 2 hours to set.

PEANUTTY CARAMEL 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 milk in large glass microwaveable measuring cup 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. Place nuts in bowl. 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. Dip apples in nuts; place on prepared plate.
• 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.)