Thursday, October 18, 2007

Yum

Kraft Caramel Apples

If you are a product of post 1950s America like me, whenever you see a bag of individually wrapped, chewy caramels the first thing you think of is caramel apples. Those candies always take me back to my mother’s kitchen and October afternoons spent with my brothers and sister preparing these tasty fall treats. 

To me the flavor is a classic and they are so easy to make. I suppose that is why kids continue to create fall memories about making caramel apples.

Ingredients
5 medium to small apples. (Tart varieties such as Granny Smith’s complement the sweet caramel the best.)
2 tablespoons milk
1 (14) ounce package individually wrapped, chewy caramel candies

Possible Toppings
Chopped nuts (I think walnuts are extra delicious with the apple and caramel.)
Chocolate chips
Candy sprinkles
Raisins
Pumpkin Pie Season Mixed with Sugar

Special Tools
disposable wooden chop sticks or popsicle sticks
wax paper, lightly buttered
cookie sheet
Instructions
Wash and dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a wooden chopstick or popsicle stick for a handle. To help the caramel set better, chill the apples overnight in the refrigerator. Leave them there until you are ready to dip them in the caramel. If you are short on time, put them in the freezer while you prepare the caramel sauce.

Unwrap the caramel candies.

Place the candies and 2 tablespoons of milk in a medium sized, heavy bottom saucepan. Cook over a medium-low heat until the candies are melted, stir constantly.

Remove the saucepan from the heat. If there are kids involved with the preparation, allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly.

Dip the chilled apples in the caramel. To get an even coat, turn the apple while dipping. Allow excess caramel to drip back into the saucepan.

Place the caramel apples on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper that has been lightly buttered.

Chill the apples for about 15 minutes and then press the desired topping into the soft caramel.

Return the apples to the refrigerator and chill for another hour.
Notes
Chilled caramels are easier to unwrap.

For easier eating, cut the caramel apple into wedges.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

O.K. now I have to go out and buy some caramel tomorrow.  The only kid left at home is my husband but maybe I can share with the employees.

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting to make caramel apples for a couple of weeks now, have to do that before Halloween...
Have a great weekend!
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

I have a caramel apple on the counter ready to eat for a snack today.  I found some good ones at the farmer's market in Egg Harbor.