Monday, October 24, 2011

Caramel for Apples

The Robber loves caramel apples and wanted to make some caramel to dip apple slices in and so I scoured around on the internet and found two recipes: one that I knew would work and one that I thought would actually be interesting. This is the one that the Robber made... and it worked. We made a half batch, which was plenty for us, and it is plenty delicious and perfect for its task although nothing exceptional. Problem is, my supposedly exception caramel is rock hard and this one is the perfect consistency for just about anything. Which, perhaps, makes it exceptional.

From Real Mom Kitchen, by way of Annie of course:
http://annies-eats.net/2009/11/25/caramel-apples/

Ingredients:

8 T. unsalted butter
2 C. packed brown sugar
1 C. light corn syrup
Pinch of salt
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Optional:
10-12 small Granny Smith apples, stems removed
Popsicle or lollipop sticks

Directions:

1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Mix in the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Stir in the condensed milk. Cook and stir until a candy or instant-read thermometer reads 248° F (firm ball stage.) Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

To make candy apples: 2. Insert a lollipop or popsicle stick into the top of each apple so that it is firmly in place. Dip the apples one at a time into the caramel mixture, turning slowly to coat evenly. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with wax paper and allow the caramel to set. Decorate as desired, with melted chocolate, chopped nuts, or candy pieces.

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