Homemade Caramel Dipped Apples

Recipe Source: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients:

• 10 medium Granny Smith apples, washed and dried
• 10 wooden sticks
• ¾ cup butter
• 2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup dark corn syrup
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, candy or sprinkles

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the apples, removing the stem. Insert a wooden stick into the center and set aside.
2. In a 3 quart heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat melt together the butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, dark corn syrup and salt. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
3. Add the sweetened condensed milk. Gently bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower the heat and cook until a candy thermometer reaches 225°F. Around 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and add 2 tsp pure vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Dip each apple into the caramel turning to evenly coat. Tilt the saucepan as needed. Spoon the caramel over the apples to evenly coat.
5. Immediately dip in your preference of chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, candy or sprinkles.
6. Place onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill until set. Bring to room temperature to allow the caramel to soften before serving. Store chilled.