So. Running a pretty successful wedding blog definitely has its perks. Aside from just being a really cool job (and getting to work in my PJ’s) we also happen to get really great little gifts right around the holidays. It’s actually kind of awesome, although many of them are making me quite fat. In a good way. So, one of those treats that we loved the most were these incredible Chocolate and Caramel Covered Apples that Jessica over at Jessica’s Country Flowers made us. Purely sinful…and we loved every bit of it.
So, here is a little DIY from Jessica. A perfect surprise for the ones you love this holiday season! And really cute for a wedding favor (obviously).
Ingredients
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 can sweet condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
24 granny smith apples (bought from Costco wholesale $7 dozen)
3 lbs. butter at Costco $7
pointed wooden round sticks at local craft store or candy making supply company online
ribbon from Costco ($8 for 50 yard roll at Costco)
Instructions
Melt the butter in a sauce pan, add the brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over medium heat. Add the sweet condensed milk, continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to 245 degrees F. Once off the stove, add the vanilla and stir. Cool down to about 210 degrees and dip your apples or pears.
Twist off the stems on your apples and put in the wooden sticks.
Place your dipped fruit on a sheet pan which is lined with parchment paper. Let dry and then dip in melted chocolate. While the chocolate is still wet, dip in toasted coconut, chopped nuts or add pieces of candy. Place back on the parchment paper to thoroughly dry. Melt some white chocolate and place into a zip lock bag, cut the very corner off and drizzle over the apples for detailing.
Package up in clear cellophane and tie up with a pretty ribbon. These make for incredible gifts from the heart. Store in a cool place or refrigerate. To enjoy, let them sit in room temperature for 1/2 hour. Place on a cutting board and slice.