Holiday Chocolate Caramel Appples Recipes

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with vegetable oil cooking spray. Insert the craft sticks halfway into the stem-ends of the apples.
• In a medium, heavy saucepan, over low heat, combine the caramel candies and orange juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the candies have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool for 2 minutes. Dip the apples in the caramel until coated and put them on the parchment paper until firm, about 2 hours.
• Put the chocolate in a medium bowl and set it over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel. Put the apples back on the parchment paper for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with small candies, chopped nuts or sprinkles and allow the chocolate to harden, at room temperature, for about 3 to 4 hours.

Steps:

• Insert lollipop sticks into core of apples.
• Heat caramel until it becomes liquid. (Can use stove top or microwave). Roll out caramel in between 2 pieces of plastic wrap to flatten. Cut caramel into long strips, about 4 inches long, to fit around apple. Wrap caramel around apple. Stand upright on waxed paper and let set for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Melt dark, white or milk chocolate. Pour melted chocolate into a metal bowl. Dip apples into chocolate. Sprinkle chocolate covered apple with nuts, M&M's or your favorite topping. You can also add stripes of dark, white or milk chocolate around the apple. Place decorated apples onto wax paper, standing upright. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Steps:

• 1. In a large double boiler melt caramel over medium heat. This will take about 45 minutes when using block caramel.
• 2. While caramel is melting, wash apples and remove labels and stem. Dry well. Place sticks into top of apple. Push down firmly but do not go through bottom of apple. Set aside. Prepare Candi-Quik by breaking into smaller pieces.
• 3. Place parchment paper on counter top, table or tray. When caramel is melted dip each apple up to stem area. Twirl to remove excess caramel. Transfer to parchment paper. Let set so caramel can harden about 30-45 minutes. While caramel is setting up, melt chocolate Candi-Quik in double boiler over medium-low heat. Be careful not to overheat or you will end up with "dull" chocolate.
• 4. Pick apples up and trim excess caramel off the bottom where it has pooled. Kitchen shears work very well for this task. Place excess caramel back into double boiler for later use. Dip each apple into chocolate, twirl to remove excess chocolate. Set on clean sheets of parchment. While chocolate is setting up, melt white Candi-Quik in double boiler.
• 5. Drizzle white chocolate onto one apple at a time and working quickly, sprinkle liberally with toffee bits. Place M&M's on wet chocolate. Sprinkle with decorative sprinkles. Repeat until all apples are completed.
• 6. Place apple in a muffin top paper or pastry cups (found at Candy/Cake decor supply) Place apple into goody bag. Secure around stick with twisty tie, then tie with ribbon. Store in refrigerator for up to five days.
• 7. Remove from refrigerator and allow to warm up a bit at room temperature before cutting into wedges.

Steps:

• Line a 9x5-in. loaf pan with foil and grease the foil with butter; set aside., In a large heavy saucepan, bring the sugar, corn syrup and chocolate to a boil over medium heat; stir until smooth. Add 1/2 cup cream; cook, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 234° (soft-ball stage). Add another 1/2 cup cream; return mixture to 234° (soft-ball stage). Add the remaining cream; cook to 245° (firm-ball stage)., Immediately pour into prepared pan (do not scrape saucepan). Let stand until firm, about 5 hours or overnight. Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Discard foil; cut candy into 1-in. squares using a buttered knife. Wrap individually in waxed paper; twist ends.

Steps:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 20-40 seconds longer or until the caramels are melted; stir until smooth. , Insert wooden sticks into apples; dip apples into the caramel mixture, turning to coat. Coat with nuts; set on waxed paper to cool. , Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over apples. Sprinkle with toffee bits. Place on waxed paper to cool. Cut into wedges to serve.