Caramel and candy apples were once the special treat for fair goers in the fall. Children love the candy on a crisp tart apple. It seems the most perfect of treats. Children can make these with little help handling hot syrup.
Caramel Apples
Crunchy apples dipped in sweet caramel and set to dry to a shiny finish are an appealing treat for a fall party or an afternoon of cool fall fun.
To make caramel apples first choose six to eight medium-sized apples. Wash and dry the apples. Unwrap and melt over low heat, or in a double boiler over boiling water, about 30 medium Kraft™ caramels over low heat with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water in the caramels. Set each apple on waxed paper or foil. Poke a stick into the top of each apple where the stem was.
When the caramel is hot, dip the apple into the caramel while you hold it by the stick. Roll in chopped peanuts or chopped pecans and set on the paper or a saucer to allow the caramel to cool and harden. This is a creamy yummy treat.
A simpler method is to buy Kraft™ caramel apple sheets. They are little squares of flattened caramel. Just wrap around clean, dry apples Insert a stick and heat according to package directions.
A microwave oven can also be used for melting the caramels. Follow package directions for heating and stirring.
Candy Apples
Candy apples are a different sort of treat with clear red hard candy coating the apples. Candy apples are more difficult to make and if you are not a seasoned cook, you may need an adult to help with the candy making part. First wash and dry your apples and line them up on a sheet of waxed paper.
To make the candy, you will need a candy thermometer unless you know how to test candy. Dissolve 3 ½ cup granulated sugar in one cup of warm water. Add 1 cup white corn syrup (like Karo™) Boil in a deep pan until the syrup is 300º or hard crack stage when tested in water. Add ¼ cup Red Hot™ or Cinnamon Imperials. Stir until they melt and the syrup is red. Red food coloring could be added if the syrup is too light. You want a bright “candy-apple red!”
When the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat. Dip the apples in the syrup to coat the apples and then set each on the waxed paper to allow the candy to harden. The apples can be wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bright colored ribbon for an extra touch of fun. Use the batch of apples wrapped and bow-tied as a centerpiece for the party table.
Candy apples, whether caramel or cinnamon candy, are a great fall treat for the family. Apples and caramel candy is just about a perfect combination of textures, colors, and flavors. Candy apples are like works of art. Making them is nearly as much fun as eating them.
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