We’re already almost to the middle of September…so chances are good that a lot of your minds are starting to think about the upcoming holiday season and the harvest and Halloween celebrations that will be here before you know it. One of the most important elements of a good Halloween party or harvest festival: the treats, of course! Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or just want to serve up something special for your own family, here are a few sweet ideas that are especially appropriate for this time of year:
Caramel Apples
{from Tartine by Elisabeth Prueitt, Chad Robertson}
Ingredients:
• 10 to 12 Lollipop or Popsicle sticks
• 10 to 12 Medium Apples
• 1 cup Sugar
• ½ Unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 2 tbsp Maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Blackstrap or other dark molasses
• ¼ vanilla extract
• A pinch of Salt
Directions:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and butter or oil the foil lightly, or line with a nonstick liner. Punch a lollipop stick into each apple. I use the bottom of a heavy mug to “hammer” in the sticks. Set aside.
In a deep, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, cream, corn syrup, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla and salt and place over medium-high heat. Stir gently with a wooden spoon from time to time make sure no sugar is sticking to the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil and cook until the mixture registers 236°F on a thermometer, 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the caramel cool to 180°F. One at a time, dip the apples into the hot caramel, let the excess drip off the bottom, and them set them on the prepared baking sheet. If the caramel slides off the first apple, let the mixture cool for a little linger and try again. You may need to tilt the pan to dip the last few apples (to free your hands, put a wooden spoon under on side of the pan). Let cool completely to set the caramel. The apples will keep, uncovered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
***
More ideas from the HWTM Recipe Box:
Caramel Nut Popcorn & Spiced Almond Cookies…YUM!
***
– Jennifer Sbranti
www.hostesswiththemostess.com
Technorati Tags: fall dessert recipes, caramel apples, caramel corn, caramel nut popcorn, recipes, spiced cookies, cookie recipes
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GlamDish: Autumn Treats | PartyNGo.com | 12-Sep-08 at 12:07 am | Permalink
[...] over at GlamDish: check out some fall-friendly treats & learn how to make homemade caramel [...]
M Stafford | 20-Sep-08 at 10:59 am | Permalink
Caramel apples – your recipe states good for 3 days – this has been my experience. How than do several retailers promise 2 weeks (example -William Sonoma for thier $22.50 caramel apples states refrigerate good for 2 weeks). I have tried to extend the shelf life of my caramel apples past 3 days and the quality is just not there. The apple gets soggy and/or ferments.
My caramel is delicious and the chocolate is high quality – so my caramel apples freshly made are Wonderful!! BUT shelf life is so so short.
Thanks for any help someone can render.