Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are simple to make and rather inexpensive considering what a ready made caramel apple will cost you at a candy store.  While decorating the apples is a perfect family project, be sure to have an adult boil the caramel. I am still sporting a scar on my hand from my youthful attempts of boiling sugar and butter.

Be sure to use fresh local apples that have not been waxed.  This is the perfect time of year to make caramel apples. The apples must be as fresh as possible.I walked to our tree and picked these. .moments before dipping them. Ideally, choose apples that are still a bit tart.

This handy little apple chopper is perfect for caramel apples. 

• very fine sandpaper
• Popsicle sticks
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup golden corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter  (do not use margarine)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• about 18 medium sized apples
• crushed nuts and various candy's and or melted chocolate for drizzle

1. Wash apples and dry them.
2. Use fine sandpaper to give them a bit of a rub.  This will help the caramel to adhere.  Do not break the skin.
3. Use a tea towel to wipe the apples down, stick Popsicle sticks in the stem end and set aside.
4. Prepare several cookie sheets by putting parchment paper down or be sure to grease your sheets well.
5. Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter in a medium saucepan. 
6. Stir over medium heat until butter melts and then add the sweetened condensed milk.
7. Boil on high heat stirring constantly until a candy thermometer reaches soft ball stage. .230 degrees.
8. This will take about 20 minutes.  Keep stirring.   Let cool about 5 minutes.
9. Dip the apples into the caramel and set onto the parchment paper lined cookie sheets.
10. If you wish to dip them into crushed nuts . .do that now. .and let them cool on cookie sheets before finishing the decorations.
11. Place them in the refrigerator to cool slightly.  Once they have cooled. .you can decorate them.