The perfect caramel apple

Directions for coating six apples…

Mix 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves.

Cook, swirling the pan (do not stir), until the mixture is light amber and a candy thermometer registers 320 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat; slowly whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Return to low heat and whisk until smooth.

Let cool until the caramel is thick enough to coat a spoon.

Insert sticks into the stem ends of 6 apples and dip the apples into the caramel, letting the excess drip off.

Roll in toppings (see previous blog for inspiration), then let cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

with thanks to www.foodnetwork.com

by resident blogger, Emily

A frightfully good treat…

Hallowe’en is just around the corner everyone!  But if dressing-up in an unflattering witches’ costume and switching your Touche Eclat for a dab of face paint sounds more frightful than delightful, fear not! 

Rather than bobbing for apples, why not get your teeth stuck into these confectionery-covered apples instead?!  Unfortunately for us here in the UK, the heavenly SanFo Treats in San Fransisco is a little far to travel.

I quite fancy a try at this myself, though.  Okay maybe the finished result won’t be quite as presentable as these (you might not even get to see it as I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to resist gobbling it up straight away!!) but I’m sure it would be lots of fun trying lots of different toppings.  Plus there is the added bonus of there being a healthy apple inside, so we don’t need to feel too guilty!  Great for keeping the kids entertained too!

Any ideas for a great topping?  Let us know…

by resident blogger, Emily