October Caramel Apples
It is a family tradition to make popcorn balls and caramel apples in late October. I start looking for Popsicle sticks early. They are easier to find now than say 10 years ago.
- dozen sticks (try a craft store if your grocery doesn’t carry them)
- 10 - 12 granny smith apples
- 2 bags of caramels
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 - 2 tbs. water
- 2 -3 cups chopped peanuts
- wax paper
Prepare your apples by washing them and drying them well. Push the sticks into the center core of the apple starting from the smaller end, so that the handle sticks out from the bottom of the apple. Pour the chopped nuts into a flat bowl or dish that will allow you to dip the caramel apple into it to coat with the peanuts, yet not touch the sides. Lay out a large piece of wax paper next to the peanuts and have both near the stove where you will be melting your caramels. It will be a little assembly line. You will dip the apple into the caramel, roll it into the nuts and place it on the wax paper. All of this must be done relatively quickly, being sure to stir your caramel mixture well between dippings. It is hard to be exact when making caramel apples, because the sizes of the apples vary, and the consistency of the caramel varies by each person’s taste. If you like thick caramel and lots of peanuts then of course buy extra. If you like a thinner caramel coating then you will be able to coat more apples.
When melting the caramels a heavy, deep, yet small saucepan is recommended. You want the caramel mixture to rise high in the pan so that the apples are dipped into the caramel easily without touching the sides or bottom. Always be patient when working with caramels, keep the heat low and stir constantly. First add a little water, the peanut butter and then the caramels. Watch the pan and keep stiriring. When the caramels are melted you may wish to add more water or peanut butter depending on what you like. If you have someone to help you, then one person can keep stirring the caramel mixture as the other dips and rolls.
These turn out so well, and are so delicious, and the green apple is very good for you and even the peanut butter has protein to help you avoid an immediate sugar high! Happy Autumn!!
No Comments
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment