Chocolate Caramel Apples

[kirra]

Chocolate Caramel Apples
About.com

Crisp apples are covered with a layer of caramel, a layer of chocolate, and a coating of chopped candy bars. I like to use Snickers bars, because the chocolate and the caramel of the apple is a nice accompaniment to the peanut-nougat flavor of the Snickers, but any chopped candy you enjoy will work. If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can substitute chopsticks or popsicle sticks instead.

Ingredients:

4 ripe apples
4 wooden skewers
14 ounces (1 bag) soft caramel candy
2 tbsp water
10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp shortening
2 cups chopped candy bars, chocolate, or nuts

Preparation:

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

Wash and dry the apples carefully. Remove the stems, and stick the skewers firmly in the stem ends.

Place the unwrapped caramels and the water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir, then microwave for and additional minute or until completely melted. The caramel should be smooth and liquid by the end.

Hold an apple by the skewer and dip it in the caramel, tilting the bowl at an angle and rotating the apple to cover it completely with a smooth, even layer. Bring it out of the caramel and twirl it upside down to remove excess, then set it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining apples.

Place the caramel-covered apples in the refrigerator to set for at least 30 minutes.

Combine the chocolate and the shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, stirring every 45 seconds.

Dip the caramel-covered apple in the chocolate. If necessary, spoon some chocolate over the top to ensure the apple is completely covered with chocolate. While the chocolate is still wet, dip the bottom half in the chopped candy bars and roll until the bottom half is covered. Place back on the baking sheet and repeat with remaining apples.

Chill apples in refrigerator until completely set, about 45 minutes. Always store apples in the refrigerator.