When my children were tiny, I couldn't wait for them to get old enough that we could begin a Fall tradition of making caramel apples. Of course, I intended on using my own decadent, homemade caramel. I soon discovered that making the caramel from scratch was much more fun for me than for them. My children, like most, are far more interested in dipping and rolling, and laughing, and licking little fingers, than if the caramel we used was made from scratch. After all, having fun cooking and being together is the most important part! So, I wanted to share my simple technique for making outrageously delicious, double dipped apples with you. I also tagged on a bonus recipe for you at the end of the page, for using any leftover candy or chocolate. Just remember, it's all about making memories, that's the most important part of cooking with your children or grandchildren!
You'll need:
12 small/medium Granny Smith apples
12 popsicle or lollipop sticks
assorted sprinkles: mini Reese's pieces, chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, milk chocolate covered heath bits or any of your favorite nuts and candy
for the caramel:
2 14 oz. bags of caramels unwrapped
4 Tbs. heavy cream
2 tsp. pure vanilla
for the chocolate:
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbs. vegetable shortening
Wash and dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a popsicle or lollipop stick into the center. Cover two baking sheets with wax paper and grease the paper as well. Unwrap the caramels and place them into a microwave safe bowl, with 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. There's no way I'm adding water, why use water when I have heavy cream in my fridge, right?
Melt the caramels until smooth. This process may take several minutes, depending on your microwave. Melt in small increments and stir, stir, stir. When the caramel is completely smooth add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla. The caramel will be very hot, be careful!
Dip all 12 apples in the caramel allowing the excess to drip off. The caramel in the bowl will begin to cool while you're working. You'll have to warm it periodically in the microwave to thin it enough to coat the apples.
I sprinkled half of my caramel apples with milk chocolate toffee bits and placed them into the refrigerator. The other 6 will remain smooth because they're going to be dipped in chocolate, also. Refrigerate all of the apples until set.
After 45-60 minutes, the other 6 apples are ready to be double dipped in chocolate. Melt the chocolate and vegetable shortening, in a double boiler or in a heat proof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water. Do not let the water touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir until completely smooth.
Dip the apples into the chocolate allowing the excess to drip off before sprinkling with the candy or nuts of your choosing. Place back onto the wax paper and pop back into the fridge to harden. It will take around 45-60 minutes for the chocolate to completely set-up. The longer, the better.
Package and give as gifts, or enjoy with family and friends. Watch the smiles! Yield: 12 apples
Cook's note:
After dipping my apples, I had some melted chocolate and toppings left over. I mixed all of it together, Reese's pieces, chocolate chips, toffee bits plus an additional 1/2-2/3 cup of peanuts. Mix until combined then dollop onto wax paper until it hardens Voila, a quick and easy candy and no waste!
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