Caramel Apples!

They're not just great for Halloween! These are so good for any time of year and can be a really fun activity to do with friends! I used a really easy recipe and tried lots of different toppings. But you will need a candy thermometer.

Caramel Apples

You'll need: 
6 apples (I like Granny Smith because the tart goes well with the sweet caramel). 
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
water
salt
vanilla
parchment paper, baking sheet and cooking spray
candy thermometer
sticks (I buy mine at Michael's)

• Wash and dry 6 apples. 
• Put sticks into the stem ends of the apples. Set aside.
• Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with Pam. 
• Mix 2 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup of light corn syrup and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Then stop stirring and start swirling the pan until the candy thermometer says 320 degrees. It should take about 8 or 9 minutes. 
• Then remove the pan from heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2 Tablespoons of butter (unsalted is best).
• Put heat to low and whisk until your mixture is smooth. 
• Let cool until the caramel is thick enough to coat your apples.
• Dip the apples into the caramel. Let the extra drip off. 
• Roll in any topping you like. I love English Toffee bits, m'n'ms, peanuts and colored sprinkles.
• Let cool on parchment paper.
• You can cut them into slices and SHARE! or just take a bite!