Tuesday, September 4, 2012

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}}}


Linked to:  Cowgirl Up Link Party    Chef In Training

15 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. Those apples look so amazing and beautiful and delicious and professional!!! I love the hint about washing the wax off with vinegar and the hint about putting them in the freezer so that the caramel hardens faster. I had never heard those hints before. The presentation is darling, too. Love the bow.

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  2. Jodi, You're the next Mrs. Prindable! Beautiful and love seeing the granny color! Thanks for the tips...I have been wanting to make gourmet apples for many years.

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    Replies
    1. Erin is going to try her hand at making some tonight to sell at a bake sale fund raiser. We'll see how it goes!

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    2. Andela, good luck. They are really easy!!!

      Nancy, when and where is the bake sale??? I might have to be supportive and buy some goodies!!!!

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  3. Ya just can't mess these up....they look and are so yummy!

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  4. Everytime i come on this blog, i'm suddendly hungry haha. they look delicious!

    Thanks,

    Jan @Door251

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    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! Sadly, I didn't get to eat one. I am going to make more so I can though!!!

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  5. Can you order these for delivery?!?!?!
    Natt

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    Replies
    1. Yes, of course!!! Do you want to know my delivery fees??? LOL

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  6. Holy cow! When I die and go heaven these will be waiting for me on a silver platter! I am loving your blog and your pictures are amazing! I am a new follower. I would LOVE for you to visit me and join my site as well!

    riversrecipereview.blogspot.com

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  7. What a great tutorial. Love the pictures you took. These look like they came from the candy store!! I want to make some!
    Blessings,
    Susie
    PS New follower

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  8. Wow, these look so yummy and awesome!! Thank you so much for the great tutorial. Your newest follower from Cowgirl Up! :)

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  9. Oh, these are fabulous! You are featured at the Cowgirl Linky party. We are moving next week but hopefully I will be able to make these sometime this Fall. Thanks for the info. Gorgeous. XO, Pinky

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  10. These looks unbelievably amazing... can't describe them more

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