(Easy) Caramel Apples!

There's something so whimsical about a caramel apple. My college roommate Julia got me hooked on them freshmen year when her parents sent a care package with these beautiful treasures. A combination of delightful textures and tastes. Sweet. Sticky. Tart. Crispy. Nutty. Rich. After researching several recipes, I found a fool proof recipe by Paula Deen. She used the microwave to melt her caramels but I did mine on the stove so the recipe below is slightly different from hers but just in preparation (there isn't much to change with the actual ingredients!).

Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 apples
Ingredients:

• 6 Granny Smith apples, washed thoroughly to get the wax off if you're getting them from the store, or check out your local orchard!
• 6 craft sticks
• 14 oz package of individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 2 T milk
• toppings of choice (ground peanuts, cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, crushed candies, another coating of chocolate ganache, etc.)

Place caramels and milk in a non-stick pot and stir on low-medium heat until well melted (keep an eye on them so they don't burn!) - takes about 10 minutes if you're unwrapping and melting simultaneously. Meanwhile, press a craft stick into the top of each apple. Also, prepare a baking sheet with buttered or Pam sprayed wax paper (I didn't do the grease coating and had a little sticky problem). Allow caramel sauce to cool slightly. Roll each apple quickly in the caramel sauce until well coated. You might need to use a spatula to get some hard to reach spots. Hold for a little while upside down for the caramel to evenly roll down the sides, if you place it on your prepared sheet right away, it will pool to the bottom. Roll caramel apple in desired toppings (get creative!) and place on prepared sheet to set. Note, if the bottom has a good coating of the topping, it'll be less likely to stick to the surface the caramel apple is sitting on. If you prefer a stiffer caramel, stick the apples on the pan in the fridge for a couple minutes (it'll be easier to cut too).

Left to Right: Cinnamon Sugar, Ground Peanuts, Chocolate Sprinkles