All those in season apples are just crying for a good dousing in caramel and crunchy coatings! This month we'll be creating (and eating) our own caramel apples. Who says craft projects can't be edible!?
Approximate Cost: $10 for five delicious caramel apples
Supplies: 5 small apples, 1 bag (14 oz.) Kraft caramels, craft sticks - ours were included in the caramel bag, caramels, coatings - see below for ideas, wax paper
We will use Kraft's Caramel-Dipped Apples recipe (microwave version) from the back of the bag:
1. Remove stems from apples. Wash apples in hot water to remove the waxy film. Dry completely.
2. Insert craft sticks into stem ends of apples. Cover large cookie sheet with greased wax paper.
3. Melt caramels with 1 Tbsp. water in a medium microwaveable bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring after every minute, until smooth.
4. Dip apples in caramel. Scrape bottoms, then dip apples in coatings. Place on baking sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Coating Ideas:
coconut, crushed oreo cookies, mini chocolate chips, M&M's, chopped candy bar, melted chocolate, chopped nuts, red hot candies, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, crushed chocolate covered pretzels, crumbled chocolate chip cookies... really anything that sounds good to you. One of my boys asked if he could put licorice on his. Yuck, but whatever!
Suggestions:
- Cover your work area.
- Work quickly while the caramel is hot.
- You can also spoon the caramel over the apple and smooth it out instead of dipping and rolling.
- Be sure to wash the leftover caramel out of the bowl ASAP. It's like glue when it sits too long!
- Have the kids make them for their teachers for Christmas gifts. It's just around the corner, y'all!
- Your caramel apple is a work of art after all, so add an extra touch by signing the stick.
- If you're going to coat your apple in a layer of chocolate as well, let the caramel set up in the fridge for 15 minutes, then dip it in melted chocolate. (We used 4 squares of Baker's Chocolate and followed the directions for melting it in the microwave.) You can then add coatings and stick it back in the fridge.
- When coating, either use the dip and roll method or sprinkle the coatings on while turning the apple. Be sure to do this over a bowl to catch any strays.
- Children with wiggly teeth... what better way to loose a tooth! Beats the old string and doorknob way. For those who would rather not loose a tooth, cut the apple into slices.
- Enjoy the time spent with your kids!
Post pictures of your caramel creations on our Kid's Craft Along Flickr group.
