by: Collette Lang
Autumn brings to mind the wonderful color of falling leaves; a
glorious palette of red, yellow, orange and gold. Nothing
compliments the autumn colors like the foods that define this season.
In particular, caramel apples remind us of the cooler months from
September to November. Many people enjoy caramel apples at the
fair, or purchase them from the local farmers market; but to make
them at home is all the more fun. Here are my easy “gourmet”
caramel apple ideas, taken straight from my grandmother who grew
up in rural North Carolina.
The most important part of making caramel apples is to have fun at
all costs. Purchase all the ingredients ahead of time, get together with
a group of family or friends, put on some bluegrass music, and get to
work. Feel free to tweak the details to your liking.
Let’s get started! First, choose apples that are fresh, crisp, and firm
without any waxing. Get a variety of red, yellow, and green apples. If
you have a fresh market nearby that sells local organic produce, you
can generally find delicious apples. Pick enough apples so that each
person participating can at least make two. Then, store them in the
refrigerator until you are ready to use them.
Next, you will need the caramel. The best type of caramel to use for
this purpose is unwrapped caramel bits or candied caramels. You can
find candied caramels at craft stores like Michael’s, in the baking
section. You may also want to buy other various flavored candies, in
case someone wants to mix flavors or avoid caramel altogether.
Vanilla, butterscotch, or cherry are good flavors to get in addition to
caramel.
Many people enjoy a topping on their caramel apples, such as
pecans, marshmallows, or even crushed Oreo’s. You can purchase
these things at your local grocery store. In addition, you can buy
baking chips such as peanut butter, cinnamon, or white-chocolate to
melt and drizzle over you apples. You will also need Popsicle sticks
and wax paper.
Re
cip
e
Patty Shelton
Owner
336.407.2566
Ingredients and Supplies:
Apples
Candied Caramels
Various other flavors of baking candies
Toppings such as nuts, M&M’s, crushed Oreo’s, etc.
Baking Chips (peanut butter, white chocolate, etc.)
Popsicle Sticks
Wax Paper
Cellophane Baggies
Total Time:
30-60 minutes, depending on the number of apples
Now that you ha