Caramel Apples

Caramel Apples  = Fall                                                                                                                                                            
I went to an apple farm the other day and bought lots of Paula Red apples.  These apples are tart and crisp and perfect for pies and caramel apples.

Melt 1/2 C. of butter in a heavy pot.  Add 2 C. of light brown sugar, 1 C. of light corn syrup ( I used golden syrup from the UK ) and a dash of salt.  Bring this to a boil.

This recipe makes about 12 apples, I only made 6.  Plunge sticks in your apples. I usually go out and cut twigs to use but it was pouring rain so I used Popsicle sticks..how boring!


I had the bright idea to spray cupcake papers with cooking spray to place the apples in to contain the caramel....big mistake!  Do not do this!  Picture me scraping caramel off of them which took forever.  Total fail!

Once the sugar/butter mixture boils, add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.).

Cook this over medium heat until it reaches the 'firm ball stage' which is 248 degrees.  Stir it from time to time.  This takes a while. When it reaches 248 degrees, remove it from the heat and add 1 tsp. of vanilla extract.

Cupcake liner fail!  Just sit them on parchment paper after you dip them.

A blurry dip.  I dipped them each twice.

They looked cute but there was no way they were coming out of those papers easily.  I poured the extra caramel into a buttered container.  I'll show you below what I did with it.

Finished apples.

What's in the box?
Handmade and wrapped bite size caramels.

It took a long time to cut and wrap over 150 individual caramels.  Wrap them in wax paper. A big box is going to the shelter.  The others will be given to friends.
I ended up with about 8 boxes total.

Comments

Caramel apples were such a treat when I was a kid. And nothing says "Halloween" more!
Suzanne said…
And one box of caramels will be send to your friend Suzanne ;)
Anonymous said…
wow, thats a big job! sweet reward though,
Diane said…
My mouth is watering!! Have a good weekend, Diane
brokenteepee said…
I haven't had one in years
Anonymous said…
I've never done this myself, I wonder why because I really like it. What a smart way to use the rest of the caramel! I think I'll try this soon and then do more around Yule, I have loads of apples in my trees now :-)

Have a great day!
Christer.
TARYTERRE said…
The apples look scrumptious. But OMG the carmels were awesome.
Guillaume said…
It is starting to be the time of toffee apples, but I tried very hard to love them in the past and always failed. Maybe I should try your recipe.
Nellie said…
Caramel apples remind me of going to the fair when I was young.
suzanne said…
They look good! The toffee always refuses to stick to mine.
Tammy said…
Yes, the caramel on mine always slides right off as well!

What's the sectret?
Barb said…
I remember having caramel apples made by a wonderful candy store when I was just a kid. Plus your leftover "gifts" are wonderful!
It's still SUMMAH!!! LOL!! Your apples look delicious!
Oh, my mouth is watering! I used to love having friends in the States who would hand-wrap caramels (the ones from the Midwest called them CARmuhls) at Christmas time. I love the fact that you made a box for the shelter!
Good morning, Joyce..
Even the box looks adorable. I would love to see them with the twigs...what a cute idea!
:)
Love,
Mona
chickpea678 said…
It will be 80 and sunny today so funny to see you busy creating fall! I did have to pull an extra duvet out last night though...

Caramel apples and caramels look beautiful! I think I may have to try that. Is thermometer very important?
chickpea678 said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
luckybunny said…
Now I want one! Man those look absolutely delicious! I'm going to have to make this when I can :) Love the candy boxes!
Mary Ann said…
oooo Now I know what I'm making as one of my Christmas giveaways!
chickpea678 said…
I bought two very expensive caramel apples for the kids today and thought, I need to make my own!!! Searched for your recipe and remembered a very nice treat we received.