Monster Caramel Apples

Photo by Taste of Home

             

Monster Caramel Apples Rec 

from Backyard Living Magazine

8 to 10 medium apples
8 to 10 wooden sticks
1 cup butter, cubed
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
32 cream-filled sandwich cookies, coarsely chopped (optional)
8 oz white or chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped (optional)
toffee chips, toasted coconut, mini M&Ms, mini marshmallows, sprinkles etc.

1.  Wash and thoroughly dry apples; insert a wooden stick into each.  Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; chill.  Place cookie crumbs in a shallow dish; set aside (if using).

2.  In a heavy 3 quart saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, milk and corn syrup; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Cook and stir until mixture reaches 248˚ (firm-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.**

3.  Dip each apple into hot caramel mixture to completely coat, then dip the bottom in cookie crumbs, and sprinkle or press in other toppings pressing lightly to adhere.  Return to baking sheet to cool.

4.  In microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth.  Transfer to a small plastic bag; cut off corner and drizzle coating over apples. (If using)

**Make sure to test the accuracy of your candy thermometer beforehand so the caramel doesn't get too hot.