Theresa Stanley
Bourbon Caramel Apples
Photo by Theresa Stanley
Evoking memories of festivals, hayrides and bobbing for apples, caramel apples are the best fall-fun dessert. Enjoy a scenic drive to a local orchard, pick your favorite varieties and enjoy making these hand-held goodies with your kiddos. Enhance the flavor for adults by adding bourbon in a separate batch of caramel. Be playful with the variations by adding your favorite toppings like chocolate, sea salt and pecans.
Ingredients:
• 6 apples
• Sticks (chopsticks, craft or popsicle sticks all work)
• 3 11-ounce bags of caramels
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Toppings (optional)
Method:
Prepare apples by removing stems and rinsing, then dry vigorously and completely. Place sticks in apples and set aside on wax-paper-lined sheet tray.
In a glass bowl, place unwrapped caramels and heavy cream over pot of simmering water. Stir until almost smooth, then add pinch of salt and bourbon. Continue stirring until smooth.
Individually, dip apples into caramel coating up to the base of the stick allowing excess to drip back into pan for a few seconds. Carefully and quickly roll apple in topping of choice and place back on sheet tray. Repeat with rest of apples and immediately cool in the refrigerator for two hours. Once cooled, serve guests or wrap in plastic to preserve up to one week. Enjoy!