Mini Caramel Apples

Cute, bite-sized, and easy to make. Make the caramel in the microwave, and use a melon baller to scoop out mini “apples.”

Apples:

Suggested: use a tart apple, such as Granny Smith, or a tart/sweet apple such as Honey Crisp or Jonagold.

Caramel:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
• 1 cup light Karo syrup
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

1. Combine all ingredients in a large glass bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir. Continue this cycle (microwave for 2-3 minutes, then stop and stir) four to five times, until caramel turns a nice golden color.
2. Remove from the microwave (caution, the bowl will be hot!), and stir in the vanilla.
3. Using a melon baller, scoop bites from an apple.  Pat the apple bites dry with a paper towel.
4. Using 3-6 in wooden skewers (cocktail skewers or longer skewers cut in half), skewer the apple bites (put the skewer through the center of the skin on each bite.)
5. Dip the bites in the warm caramel. For that gourmet apple look, leaving part of the apple skin showing.

Optional: After dipping in the caramel, dip the bites in toppings such as colored sugar, festive sprinkles, or chopped nuts.

Hint: Put the dipped apples in small cupcake liners to keep from sticking to each other and keep things neat.