Caramel Apples

Originally published on January 1, 2014

I know, I know. Halloween is over, so why am I posting a recipe for caramel apples on New Year’s Day? Because today is also Apple Gifting Day. I don’t know the origin behind this food holiday, and a quick Google search only told me about the “12 Days of Christmas” that had Apple the company giving out freebies (wish I’d known about that a bit sooner.) But if I were to receive an apple as a gift today, I’d like to receive it in the form of a caramel apple. And if you want to give the gift of an apple today, these are really easy to make. In fact, they’re so easy, I feel kind of bad even calling this a recipe.

Ingredients:

1 pound (probably about 25 to 30) individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 
6 apples of any red variety 
2 tablespoons milk 
3 bamboo skewers

Directions:

1.) Scrub apples thoroughly and make sure they are completely dry. Cut bamboo skewers in half, snipping off the sharp end.

2.) Place caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the caramels are fully melted and combined with the milk. This will take a few minutes; be patient. The caramel will soften and melt.

3.) Place one bamboo skewer into the bottom of each apple (the place where you can see the tip of the core.) Tilt the saucepan so that the caramel pools over onto one side, then roll one apple around in it, until it is completely coated. If the caramel is not thick enough it will not stick to the apple entirely, so add more caramels if you find that’s happening with yours.

4.) Place the apple on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and place in the fridge for 15 minutes. This will help the caramel firm up and set. Don’t let the apples touch each other, or the caramel will peel off one, and onto the other.

5.) Serve and enjoy.

Happy New Year’s everyone!!!