Deluxe Caramel Apples

Choose crisp eating apples, such as Granny Smith or Delicious, for the most satisfying crunch. For an even more “deluxe” apple, drizzle melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate. When set, wrap these apple treats in plastic wrap and tie a ribbon—and even a bell if you are so inspired—on each stick.

6 wooden skewers or ice-cream sticks

6 medium apples

1 cup coarsely chopped mixed nuts

2 tablespoons water

1 package (14 ounces) vanilla caramels

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon shortening

Insert skewer in stem end of each apple. Divide nuts into 6 mounds on waxed paper. Heat water and caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. Keep mixture over very low heat. Dip each apple into caramel mixture, spooning mixture over apple until completely coated. (If caramel mixture hardens while coating apples, heat over low heat.) Roll side and bottom of each apple in nuts. Let stand on waxed paper. Heat chocolate chips and shortening over low heat until melted; spoon over top of each apple, allowing some to drizzle down sides. Let stand until coating is firm. Store loosely covered at room temperature or in refrigerator up to 1 week. 6 apples.

TO MICROWAVE: Prepare apples and nuts as directed. Place water and caramels in 4-cup microwavable measure. Microwave uncovered on high 3 to 4 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes, until caramels can be stirred smooth. Continue as directed. (If caramel mixture thickens, microwave about 30 seconds.) Place chocolate chips and shortening in 1-cup microwavable measure. Microwave uncovered on medium (50%) 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth.

 

It is a quote. Betty Crocker’s New Christmas Cookbook 1993