Easy Gourmet Caramel Apples

With fall right around the corner there is no better treat for this time of year than a caramel apple.  If you have never made them, they are quite simple.  Plain caramel apples are delicious, but by adding a few more ingredients you can make your own gourmet caramel apples....ya know....a little "eye candy" for your apples.  You can use whatever ingredients suit your tastes.

  

Here is how to "whoop" up these divine apples.

You will about 2 pounds individually wrapped caramels.
10 apples, your choice!  I used Granny Smith and Braeburn apples.
Popsicle sticks.
Water
Crisco
Zip-Loc Baggies
Jumbo muffin liners
{If you don't have muffin liners use foil.  Wax paper is not your friend when it comes to caramel.}

The toppings I used are:

Reese's Peanut Butter Chips

Miniature Chocolate Chips

Vanilla Chips

Chopped Peanuts

Chopped Walnuts

Toffee Bits

Wash the apples and remove the stem.  The apples have a wax coating which can prevent the caramel from sticking.  To remove the wax wash the apples in a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar.  Allow to soak for 15 minutes and then rinse and wipe dry with a paper towel.  Place the popsicle stick in the center of the apple and put the apples in the freezer for about 45 minutes.  This will help the caramel harden faster after you dip them.

 Remove the wrappers from all caramels.  I recruited my kids to help and they each got to eat a caramel for their efforts.  Oh, I ate one too!!!  Place the caramels in a microwave safe bowl and add 3 tablespoons of water.  Microwave on high for 3 minutes stirring each minute until the caramels are all melted.

Sorry, it was a little had to take pictures while dipping apples so no pictures.  Some days I could use another hand, arm, a maid, personal assistant.

Dip the chilled apple in caramel about half to two-thirds of the way up the apple.  You can dip the whole thing too.  Whatever makes your skirt fly up.  Allow excess caramel to drain off.  Then immediately roll in the topping of your choice {nuts, toffee bits, crushed candy bars...anything yummy}.  Place apple on a muffin liner and place in the refrigerator to cool.

After all the apples are dipped and rolled in "butt booster" candy and cooled it is time to make em' purdy!!!  Drizzle them with peanut butter, vanilla, and chocolate.  Melt 1 cup flavored chips with 1 teaspoon crisco in the microwave on high for about 15 seconds.  Stir.  If the chips are not all melted let them sit a little bit and stir again.  If they still are not melted pop in the microwave for another 10 seconds and stir.  Transfer the melted chips to a zip-loc baggie and snip the corner off of one side.  Squeeze the bag and drizzle topping over the apples.  Place in the refrigerator to chill.  You can add a little cuteness by adding a bow to the popsicle stick.

Yummy Yummy!!!  And gorgeous right!!!

{{{HUGS}}}

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