Sunday, November 26, 2006

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?


14 comments:

Casey Galatos said...

These are amazing....this is a great recipe for the holidays...i'll surely try these out during the holidays....and hey i've also posted a couple of holiday recipes at my Holiday Blog so visit it sometime and share some of the fun and cheer of the holidays!!!!

wheresmymind said...

Man...that looks too good! Perfect way to eat some fruit! lol

The Cookbook Junkie said...

I make cookies and fudge.

I've always wanted to make these apples. Maybe this year will be the year.

Anonymous said...

Oh, yes!!! In fact, I just bought cute tins to put all the treasures in! I do cookies, candy, trash, etc.

Anonymous said...

Mine was delicious!!!

Anonymous said...

Annie they look fantastic! They look so appealing and are so yummt too. I'll be keeping this idea in mind for sure.

I'm making "cookie mix in a jar" this year. We have a three day drive then arrive in the big city a couple of day before Christmas so I wanted something simple that could be dressed up to look nice. Mum-in-law is shopping for jars for me and then I'll just buy the ingredients when I get there, jar them all up on Christmas Eve and, wa-lah!

Brilynn said...

I don't give anything that looks half as good as those do!

Annie said...

Casey, Thanks for stopping by. I'll check your blog out for sure!

wwm, The fruit is a good excuse for eating through the candy!!

Paula, You'll be glad you did! Yum.

Claire, I do the same thing with the cute little tins and bags, although no trash in mine.lol.

Sis, I'm glad you likey. :)

Red dirt, Thanks. I have made the cookies in a jar, it's fun! I love getting them too, especially a unique one that I wouldn't normally make.

Brilynn, I'm sure you do. I've seen some of the amazing things you have made. Don't be so modest!!! You're dessert photos usually make make mouth water.

Casey Galatos said...

Hi this is Casey again...thanks for stopping by my blog and glad you found it resourceful...so do come back soon for more updates and have a wonderful time during the holidays!!!!

Emma said...

That picture is making me crave this recipe! I always make my special chocolate candies with peanuts and put them in cute baskets to give to friends and neighbors. The problem is, I often eat the candies as I make them!

Rachel said...

What a yummy idea. I am planning to give food gifts this year as well!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog! Clearly you are a very talented chef with soaring creativity and a knack for maximum usage of leftover ingredients.

Those apples look delicious; I'm planning to make them for some co-workers over X-Mas.

I made an improvised Chicken Roulade today with some leftover items (with help from AmericasTestKitchen for basic techniques) and it seems like I can never get breading on chicken to stick! Any pointers? Keep up the fabulous work!

Annie said...

Casey, I'll be back for sure!

Emma, Yeah me too, but hey that's half the fun!! I just make sure I buy extra for that very reason ;)

Rachel, Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It's always nice to see a new face!

Harvey, Thanks! Hey on the chicken question- Maybe you are using too much egg and the topping is sliding off. Try letting some of the egg drip off before dipping it into the breadcrumbs. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking in!

Heather said...

Oh sinfully delish! Looks like the ones I was given that were purchased from the HSN.