The Perfect Gift!

The Forbidden Fruit Just Got a Bit More Sinful

These treats are the apple of my eye. Yum! They are fairly easy to make. They just take a little time and patience. But the end result is definitely worth it.

I found many recipes online for these apples, and after reading through all of them, I mixed and matched a few to create my own. I used the recipe on the Kraft Caramels for the caramel coating step and I found some helpful hints from Starchefs and Fabulous Foods online.

Chocolate & Caramel Covered Apples

5-6 medium apples (Granny Smith or 3-4 large Mutzu if available) Heavy wooden sticks
1 bag (14 oz.) KRAFT Caramels
2 Tbsp. water 12 ozs. good-quality chocolate (milk, semisweet, or a combination), chopped 1-1/2 tsp. solid vegetable shortening (or vegetable oil) About 1 c. chopped nuts (walnuts, peacans or almond slices) About 1/2 c. shredded coconut About 1/4 c. mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips About 1/4 c. Craisins or chopped dried cherries Candy Sprinkles White chocolate for drizzling

Wash and dry apples well, and keep at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Prepare a pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper cut to fit (DO NOT use wax paper or foil). If you don't have parchment paper, line the pan bottom with several layers of plastic wrap. The pan should be able to accommodate all apples without them touching. INSERT 1 wooden pop stick into stem end of each apple; set aside.

PLACE caramels in medium saucepan. Add water; cook on medium-low heat until caramels are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring constantly.

DIP apples in caramel mixture, coating evenly, use a spoon to help you cover the top part of the apple. With the knife, scrape off any extra caramel from the bottom of the apple. Immediately roll dipped apples in coconut. Place on parchment lined pan. PLACE the apples in the refrigerator to chill for 30 to 60 minutes so that the caramel can set up. In medium heatproof bowl, place chopped chocolate of choice and shortening. Place bowl over hot simmering water on low heat, and stir often until melted. Remove from heat and hot water; stir until smooth. Tear off a sheet of wax paper about one foot long. Place on your work surface. Place the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, craisins and sprinkles in a mound on the wax paper. Remove the apples from the refrigerator. Dip the bottom of the caramel apple in chocolate. Use a spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over the top, completely encasing the apple in chocolate. Place the chocolate-covered apple into the nuts, craisins and chocolate chips; gently pat into the apple up the sides to about the widest point of the apple. You may have to place some of the trimmings on one piece at a time if you want a neat, professional look. Place on parchment-lined pan. If using white chocolate as well, drizzle over the apples and then add candy sprinkles, if desired. Allow chocolate to set, before wrapping in cellophane or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

These apples make a great first impression and a lasting impression once eaten. They are delicious. Why spend $15-$20 bucks for one, when you can make your own. It's fun and creative. You can use any coatings or chocolate that you like. And best of all they make a great gift!

Do you make and give holiday food gifts?