What better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than with homemade gourmet candy apples? Plain candy apples are delicious with their creamy, sweet outer layer of caramel followed by the tart crispy crunch of fresh apple. But you can take it up a notch by adding an extra layer of gourmet ingredients, such as dark chocolate, nuts or coconut. Gourmet candy apples make great gifts, and making them is a fun project to keep kids occupied on a rainy day.
Instructions
1. Choose the best apples you can find. You will want a crisp, tart variety, such as Granny Smith. Choose medium to small apples that are fresh, free of blemishes and of a uniform size and shape. Wash the apples.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and briefly dip the apples in the water. Remove quickly with a slotted spoon. This step will remove the wax coating that is so commonly found on apples and help the caramel adhere to the apples. Dry the fruit, and insert a wooden stick several inches into the stem end of the core.
3. Prepare the toppings. Choose one type or a variety: finely chopped nuts, crushed candy bars, cookies or graham crackers, shredded coconut, red hots, miniature chocolate chips or sprinkles. Spread the toppings on a cookie sheet or wax paper.
4. Place the caramels and water into a microwave-safe bowl, and heat on high for a total of 2 to 3 minutes. Stop the microwave and stir the caramel every 45 seconds. The caramel should be smooth, completely melted and approximately 150 degrees.
5. Place the bowl over a pan of very hot water to maintain its temperature. Hold each apple by the stick and dip it in the caramel, turning it to coat completely. Hold the dipped apple over the bowl for a minute to allow it to stop dripping.
6. Roll the coated apple in the topping of choice while the caramel is still warm. Place it on greased wax paper or foil. Heat the chocolate chips in the microwave until completely melted, stirring every 60 seconds. Drizzle chocolate over the candy apples. When all the apples have been coated, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap. They will keep for approximately 2 weeks.
Tags: candy apples, chocolate chips, completely melted, each apple, every seconds