Jack-o'-lanterns, spooky decorative displays, and scary costumes have long been part of the Halloween tradition, as have the candy and treats associated with this "haunted" holiday. Because of the fall apple harvest coinciding with these frightful festivities every year, caramel apples and candy apples have been part of Halloween since it began to weave itself into America's fabric in the 1930's.
These days, the first priority of children as they scour the neighborhoods trick-or-treating is to acquire as much store-bought candy as possible; candy bars, lollipops, and basically anything sweet and nicely-packaged. But even though they're not distributed into many goodie bags these days, candy and caramel apples are still a very popular and traditional treat for kids and parents alike!
It's a natural combination: the apple, sweetened by nature and covered in candy or caramel coating. Every bite is a crispy flavor explosion! If you decide to take the time and put forth the effort to make enough caramel and/or candy apples to accommodate the neighborhood, go for it! But if you just want them around for the kids, friends, and family, that would probably be just fine by them.
Ok, so now you're wondering, "How exactly did I make those caramel apples last time? Do I have a recipe around here somewhere?" Look no further. Here's a quick and easy caramel apple recipe, with a candy apple recipe thrown in for good measure:
Caramel Apples (homemade)
1 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
8-10 wooden sticks
8-10 medium tart apples
Have the apples ready by washing and drying them and by removing the stems. Insert a wooden stick (popsicle sticks work) into the end of each apple.
Combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and milk in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 30 to 40 minutes, or until syrup reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Dip each apple into the caramel mixture, swirling to coat. Set apples on wax paper to cool completely before serving.
Quick Microwave Caramel Apples
6 apples
6 wooden sticks
1 (14 oz) package of wrapped caramels
2 tablespoons milk
Wash and dry apples and remove stems. Insert a wooden stick into the end of each apple. Place unwrapped caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for two minutes, stirring once. Swirl each apple in caramel mixture, then place on a well greased cookie sheet or wax paper to cool before serving.
Old-Fashioned Red Candy Apples
8 medium sized apples
8 wooden sticks
3 cups white sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Have washed and dried apples ready, with stems removed and a stick inserted into the end of each apple.
Heat and stir sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan until sugar has dissolved. Boil until the syrup reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer, or until a little syrup dropped into cold water separates into breakable threads.
Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in cinnamon and food coloring (if desired). Dip one apple completely in the syrup and swirl it around a little to coat. Hold the apple above the saucepan to drain off excess. Place the apple on a well-greased pan or wax paper for cooling...and enjoy the Halloween festivities!
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