Caramel Apples

By Texaschef11

Ingredients

• 8 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• Pinch of salt
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 10-12 small Granny Smith apples, stems removed
• Popsicle or lollipop sticks

Preparation

Step 1

Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Mix in the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Stir in the condensed milk. Cook and stir until a candy or instant-read thermometer reads 248° F (firm ball stage.) Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Insert a lollipop or popsicle stick into the top of each apple so that it is firmly in place. Dip the apples one at a time into the caramel mixture, turning slowly to coat evenly. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with wax paper and allow the caramel to set. Decorate as desired, with melted chocolate, chopped nuts, or candy pieces.