Halloween Fall Fun with the Kids or the Kid in You: Caramel Apples

Nothing gets me in the mood faster than for the upcoming holiday season than squeezing in crafts, baking time and fall flavors. While some people may look at it as extra work (and it is) I actually look at it as a respite for my mind from my very busy schedule and a time when I can reset in the repetitiveness of some of the tasks that need to be prepped to get ready for such. Enter caramel apples! Nothing says fall and decadence like caramel apples. But they are also still easy to do with your kiddies or a fun group activity. The toppings you can put on them are so far reaching and you can even elevate it with a little red wine caramel if you're going for an adult event and using it as a dessert option. I love the versatility of this project and it's so nostalgic. I sometimes make my caramel from scratch but other times I just use the store brought caramels melted down. For this one to make it easier I'll share the latter recipe. Enjoy!!

Ingredients:

5 apples (1-1/2 lb.), well chilled

1 pkg. (11 oz.) KRAFT Caramels

2 Tbsp. water

Directions:

Wash apples, then dry completely. (Note: In order for the caramel sauce to stick to the apples, the apples need to be well chilled before washing, drying and dipping in the caramel sauce.)

2 Insert wooden pop stick into stem end of each apple. Microwave caramels and water in large glass microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 to 2-1/2 min. or until caramels are completely melted and mixture is well blended when stirred.

3 Cover large plate with parchment; spray with cooking spray. Dip apples, 1 at a time, into caramel sauce, turning to evenly coat each apple. Hold dipped apple over bowl to let excess caramel drip back into bowl.

4 Refrigerate 1 hour or until caramel is firm. Remove apples from refrigerator 15 min. before serving. (Note: Caramel apples can be refrigerated up to 2 days before serving.)