Not only is today Halloween, but it is also National Caramel Apple Day. Why not take a simple recipe and put a gourmet spin on it?

caramel apples

Gourmet Caramel Apples

Prep Time: 35 minutes (plus standing time) | Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 6 large McIntosh apples
  • 6 Popsicle sticks
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1-1/4 cups English toffee bits or almond brickle chips
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white baking chips

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside. Wash and thoroughly dry apples. Insert a Popsicle stick into each; place on prepared pan. Chill.

In a heavy 3-qt. saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, corn syrup and butter; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 245°, about 1 hour.

Remove from the heat. Working quickly, dip each apple into hot caramel mixture to completely coat, then dip the bottom into toffee bits, about 1/2 in. up the sides. Return to baking sheet; chill.

In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Transfer to a small heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Drizzle over apples.

Repeat with white chips. Chill until set. Remove from the refrigerator 5 minutes before serving.