Caramel Apples
Do you ever get so busy with your life that you can’t seem to finish all that you set out to accomplish? That’s where I’ve been for the past couple of weeks… And I don’t like it one bit. It’s not like me. For example, a couple of days ago we had a Halloween potluck at my work and I planned to bring a veggie tray and a bunch of hand dipped caramel apples. The only thing that I was able to complete was the veggie tray. The apples sat in a large bowl on our kitchen counter until this morning. Seriously? Nobody knew that I missed the mark except me. Oh, and of course Bruce noticed too. Poor man. He made the mistake of asking me why I bought so many apples :D.
What a lovely bowl of fresh picked Red Delicious Apples! Bright red, sweet and crisp. Aptly named.
Well, there is good news. I am slowly but surely catching up. Three days later and I finally tackled that bowl of apples. I know that it is not good to always place high expectations on myself but in reality that is how I operate. The bottom line is that my self imposed expectations is what motivates me to get things done.
These Caramel Apples turned out so delicious and without a doubt I will be making them again. They’re so easy! Enjoy! Tessa
Slightly adapted from Land O’ Lakes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounce)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 – 14 small apples (washed and dried)
- 12 – 14 Popsicle sticks
Begin by adding brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, sweetened condensed milk to a large saucepan. Constantly stir over low heat for about 30 minutes or until the temperature of the mixture reaches 248 degrees Fahrenheit or hard ball stage. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Place a Popsicle stick in each apple and swirl in the caramel mixture. Place each coated apple on lightly greased wax paper. Let caramel harden on the apples and serve. And with the leftover caramel, I placed in a lightly greased pan, covered and refrigerated for later use.
***Please be careful when dipping the apples. The caramel is really hot.***
Note: Using a candy thermometer is crucial with this recipe. Over cooking or under cooking your caramel may yield disastrous results. Trust me on this one… Go out and get a candy thermometer.
I made one of this several days ago but coated with almonds :)
Hey Raymund! I saw those beautiful apples! I also saw those candy apples that you posted today. Just gorgeous!
God I’m feeling in love with this beautiful caramel apple :)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thank you Uru! They were delicious!
They look delicious!!
Thank you Roberta! My niece just loved them!
Ohhh I was planning to make them. They always look soooo delicious and they so remind me of Xmas time :-) yum yum yum.
Thank you Joanna! Raymund at Ang Sarap was the one who inspired me. You ought to check out the candy apples that he posted today. Gorgeous!
Tessa, your apple looks irresistible! It’s one of the most appetising and original sweet treats I have ever seen. (It certainly tastes hundred times better than these red horrible apples I see sometimes sold during X-mas). I am glad you have found some free time in your busy schedule to show us these beauties.
Thank you Sissi! They were delicious! And, easy too ;)!
NO FAIR! I’m being all healthy and Tess, caramel is one of my most favourite things in the world!
Hey Meg! Let’s come up with a solution… You can use all organic ingredients, only eat a portion of the apple and give the rest away as gifts :).
Oh to be a kid again and have the teeth that could handle eating this special treat! Of course, having eaten so many of them as a kid is probably why my teeth are like they are. :) Have a wonderful week!
Thank you MJ! Have a great week too!
I was tempted to make some toffee the other day but decided not to as I didn’t have a thermometer, so I’m pleased I held back. And now I’ve read your wise words I know I NEED to buy one!
Wonderful photos !
Hey Claire! Toffee sounds so delicious! I hope you post the recipe because I want to improve my candy making skills by the time the holidays roll around :).
I nominated you for a liebster award! Come check it out!
x
http://scrambledmegs.com/2012/11/08/my-liebster-award-nomination/
Too cool! Thank you Megan :)!
Hi, Tessa. Did you know that my second daughter is named Tessa, too? :) Anyway, what a coincidence! My kids just asked me if I can make them caramel candy apples two days ago. I kind of ignored them, see if they would forget. But they’ve been bugging me since. I thinking that I have to bookmark your recipe now…
Hey Jen! It’s not too often that I hear someone else share my name :). I hope you and your kids like the apples! They were a hit with the kids over the weekend.