Just a few days before Valentine’s I mentioned that Caramel Apples are one of my most favorite treats. Both my daughters and my daughter-in-law echoed the same feelings. Since I wanted to make some, but I didn’t want to eat as many as I would be making, I was excited hear this. So I make some Caramel Apples to give all the female members of my family, for Valentine’s Day. This recipe is one of my favorites because you can keep the Caramel ingredients on hand, and it is REALLY good Caramel. You can find the original recipe here: http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/grandma-bettye28099s-caramel-apples/. Here we go with my version…

Step 1:

Ingredients:
6-12 apples (your choice of size and type, I love Galas)
1 can evaporated milk
2 cups granulated sugar
¼ cup butter
1 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
Decors or chopped nuts for embellishments

Supplies:
2 quart heavy sauce pan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
On stick cooking spray
Candy thermometer
Rubber spatula
Glass dish (for left over caramel)
Sticks –one for each apple

Step 2:

Wash. dry and push the stick down the center of each apple.

Step 3:

Line the baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Spread the valentine decors all over the parchment paper.

Step 4:

Spray the nonstick cooking spray on a dish, and set aside.

Step 5:

Into the sauce pan, place the evaporated milk, sugar, butter and light syrup.

Step 6:

Put the pan on medium heat and stir,

Step 7:

keep stirring,

Step 8:

keep stirring,

Step 9:

until it reaches 240°F (160°C) or soft ball stage.

Step 10:

Remove from the heat. Let cool for a minute then add the vanilla and stir.

Step 11:

Let cool another few minutes. Grab an apple by its stick and swirl it in the caramel. Keep swirling until no more caramel comes off.

Step 12:

Place the caramel apple on the candy on the baking sheep. Sprinkle a few of the candies on the top section of caramel. Repeat with the remaining apples.

Step 13:

Scrape what is left of the caramel into the sprayed glass dish. This you can eat later and you will.

Step 14:

Let the caramel set, put them on a plate and they are ready to be delivered as Valentine surprises.

Ohhhhhhhhhh, my goodnessssssss! These are so good. Enjoy!