gmhTODAY 28 gmhTODAY Oct-Dec 2019 | Page 80

Halloween Candy Covered Apples (pictured on page 84) Caramel apples are some of the yummiest fall and Halloween treats! They are especially easy when starting with pre-made soft caramels. But there are a few tips which guarantee your success! 8 small apples (bagged apples are the perfect size) 8 craft or popsicle sticks 14-ounce bag soft caramel candies, each unwrapped 2 T. water 8 ounces white chocolate 8 ounces dark chocolate Assorted candies, such as Reese’s pieces, candy corn, gummy worms, cinnamon candies, etc. Prepare apples. Thoroughly scrub apples with soap and hot water to remove all the wax. This prevents the caramel from sliding off the apple. Many recipes suggest “lightly sanding” the apple with fine grit sandpaper. Just be careful not to take off any of the skin. Dry apples thoroughly and insert a stick into stem end. Line a baking sheet with buttered parchment paper or silpat mat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before applying caramel. Place caramels and water in heavy saucepan over low heat until caramels are melted and smooth. Remove from heat. If caramel be- comes thick while coating apples return to heat briefly to melt. Hold an apple by its stick over pot and spoon caramel over apple to coat, allowing excess to drip into pot. Scrape excess off the bottom, then turn apple upright and hold for 20 seconds. Place apple on prepared sheet. Repeat with all apples and refrigerate until caramel is very firm. Before coating with chocolate, remove any caramel “foot” with 80 kitchen shears or knife, which may have pooled at the bottom of the apple. Melt chocolates, either over boiling water or low microwave setting. I find it easier to micro- wave for 15 to 20 seconds at a time until chocolate is melted. If you are going to decorate with candies, make sure you have all your candies in bowls, ready to go. Dip the bottom half of each apple into chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Use a knife to scrape any excess chocolate back into bowl. Press candies into chocolate and place stick side up onto parchment to cool. Refrigerate, and serve. Apple Trivia There are more than 7,000 varieties of apples worldwide. Washington is the #1 producer of apples in the U.S., accounting for over 1/2 the apple production. New York State is #2. An Apple tree can grow up to 40 feet high and can live 200 years! The science of apple growing is called pomology. The largest apple ever picked tipped the scales at an amazing three pounds! To keep potatoes fresh and prevent sprouting, put an apple in the bag with the potatoes. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN FALL/HOLIDAY 2019 gmhtoday.com