Every now and then, I feel like sharing with you something that will forever change your life.
Because life is lovely right now, I feel as if I must share this Chocolate Caramel Apple treat with ya.
It will Change. Your. Life.
Forever.
Like every great recipe in my repertoire, this one comes from my mama.
I’ve been making them for years, and I always make some to share with my co-workers.
It may be the only reason I still have a job.
OK, OK. It likely is the only reason I still have a job.
So, here is what you’ll need:
I highly recommend green apples. I like the sharp tart contrast to the extreme sweetness that the candy coating provides.
However, I’m not the boss of you.
Wouldn’t life be lovely if I was though?
Yes, I think it would be.
Thankfully for you, I am not. So, you can use whatever apples you like.
You’ll also need caramels, nuts (I used peanuts, but again… use whatever you want-pecans or walnuts or almonds would be lovely), semi-sweet chocolate, and some candy coating.
For my candy coating, I’ll be using a mixture of toffee chips and Snickers.
So, yeah.
If you have any imagination at all, you know that this recipe has serious potential for containing life changing powers.
I’d like to warn you before you start, this recipe is a bit time intensive.
But you will not regret it.
And your friends will worship you.
And your family will never ask for anything else from you ever again.
For when you serve them these apples, they will know your purpose on this earth.
Making delicious delectable bites.
OK, I may be exaggerating.
But, not by much.
Unwrap your caramels.
If you have children, you should make them do this part as penance for eventually eating said apples.
Admire your massive pile of wrappers.
I used two bags of caramels for 24 apples.
I inadvertently purchased the bags from the candy aisle. During the fall, it is imperative that you purchase the caramels from the seasonal aisle or near the apples. Those bags of caramels have the sticks included in them.
I opened my caramels, realized I had no sticks to put into my apples, and then decided these apples would probably taste best without the sticks.
For each bag of caramels, add 2 tablespoons of water.
2 bags x 2 T. per bag= 4 T. of water
No, believe it or not… I was not a math major.
Put those caramels on the stove over medium low heat.
In the meantime, take your peanuts and put them into a food processor.
Now, grind ’em up.
With your freakishly shaped hand.
That button looks a lot harder to push in this photo than it is in real life.
It is quite simple actually.
At this point, you should probably start stirring your caramel.
Until it becomes smooth.
Ideally, you would now use your sticks to help you maneuver your apples through the caramel coating stage.
Unless you are a ding-a-ling like me, and forgot those darn sticks.
I took a walk on the wild side and just used my hands.
When it got a little dicey, I used a spoon and some tongs to help me out.
However, sticks in the actual apple is the best method.
And into your chopped nuts for a nutty bath.
I highly recommend using parchment paper on your pan. It makes this whole process bearable.
And when your significant other has to clean up all of your mess, he or she will appreciate your parchment paper thoughtfulness.
If you are the cook in your household, I also highly recommend that your significant other becomes your personal dishwasher.
In our house, I do all of the cooking.
Brad has made his specialty, The Return Home (this is a mixture of chicken and eggs- get it?) once or twice. It isn’t too delicious. So, I try to stick to the making of the food.
However, I married well. And this man takes every dish, spoon, spatula, and pan I get messy and washes them all.
That, my friends, is what you call a marriage made in heaven.
I like to cook, and hate to clean.
He likes to clean, and hates to cook.
We both love to eat.
Have I said lately that I haven chosen well in the spouse department?
Or maybe he has chosen well?
Yes, I think that is it.
Anywho, I digress.
One might think that this is a perfect stopping point.
But I think there must be a way to take this up a notch.
Hmmmm… chocolate. Yes. Chocolate.
If ever in doubt, chocolate.
I don’t have a double boiler.
So, I rig one up by using a medium sized pot filled with approximately two inches of water.
Then, I put a metal bowl filled with my chocolate on top.
The indirect heat will get your chocolate to the perfect consistency.
Put the heat at medium. Once your chocolate is thoroughly melted, turn the heat down to low.
Stir the chocolate frequently as it is melting.
Once the chocolate is melted and the heat is turned down very low, we should prepare the final glorious topping.
Again, you have the opportunity to turn this apple into whatever you like by using any candy bar you like.
Go ahead! Pick your favorite.
I’m using a mixture of Snickers and Heath toffee topping.
I froze the Snickers bars prior to chopping them up so that they would grind down pretty finely.
Have I mentioned how much I love this little kitchen tool?
I’m telling ya… best $50 I have spent in a long time on a small kitchen appliance.
Add those ground candy bars (I used 12 mini bars) to your 2 bags of toffee chips (these are made by Heath and are right next to the chocolate chips in the grocery store).
Now, this is where it gets messy.
Unless you are making a proper caramel apple with a stick in it. Then it isn’t so bad.
I donned my famous kitchen glove for this step.
Slather that apple all the way around with chocolate.
The chocolate is a little too thick to just dip the apple into it.
So, I prefer the spatula method of application.
Then, sweet sassy molassey… dip it in the candy.
Mama Mia.
Oy vey.
Holy Mother.
Oh Dear Gussie.
Pop them on a pan and then throw them in the fridge for the chocolate to set for 10-15 minutes.
For the apples that I’m delivering to friends and coworkers, I use a little plastic cling wrap tied with a bow.
Cute, right?
You know that I could not wrap all of these bad boys up without helping myself to one first.
These apples, whether on a stick or not, are not designed to be picked up and eaten.
You really need a sharp knife to get into this guy.
I better show you my preferred method.
Slice right down the side of one of those apples. You want a good old healthy hunk of apple and candy.
Oh dear.
Now that it’s cut, I suppose I should take a bite.
OK, twist my arm.
I will.
Dee-lish!
And healthy!
It is true.
Apples are very good for you.
And both caramel and chocolate contain dairy.
And then the nuts are a protein.
This is practically a three course healthy dinner.
You are welcome.
Enjoy my dear friends!
Oh, and for my favorite Tuesday night girls- I saved some for you.
XO,
Leah
97 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 4, 2010 at 2:12 PM
Kim
These look AWESOME – it’s a good thing I have a caramel apple making date on Wednesday – I may be stealing a few of your ideas : )
October 4, 2010 at 3:14 PM
lifeintheboomerlane
They look great, but I would probably eat all the caramels before I ever got to any of the directions.
October 4, 2010 at 3:16 PM
Christy aka Mamarazzi
Oh. My. Goodness. To all that is good and tasty I think just looking at this has changed my life! I will so have to try this! Thanks for sharing & congrats on being pressed!
October 4, 2010 at 3:20 PM
The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife
Looks delicious! Now I know what to do with my apples. Thanks for sharing!
October 4, 2010 at 3:35 PM
CrystalSpins
Just reading this may have changed my life. Thanks for sharing! I’m actually planning on making caramel apples with my dad tonight. (Mom said she doesn’t care what we do as long as she can stay in the living room the whole time. I’ll bet you $50 she’ll be in the kitchen before the end of the night.) Maybe I can convince him to add chocolate and candy bars to the recipe!
Crystal
http://www.crystalspins.com
October 4, 2010 at 3:37 PM
Shreya
Yum! Will definitely try!!
October 4, 2010 at 3:48 PM
tryityoumightlikeit
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! I enjoyed reading through this entire recipe. I bought an apple just like this from a street fair in my town a few years ago and paid $10 for one apple.
October 4, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Sunflowerdiva
Ohmygosh! This made my mouth water! Aaaaaaah! I just love the recipes Halloween makes us bring out. 😀
October 4, 2010 at 4:13 PM
dellajune
Congrats for making freshly pressed!!
I was almost ready to dismiss the recipe as being too unhealthy, when you reminded me of all the nutritional value. 😉 They look life changing indeed.
October 4, 2010 at 4:22 PM
Andrea Simpson - Conflicted Mean Girl
Those look amazing and I think you are hilarious. Best presentation of a recipe I’ve seen in a long time.
October 4, 2010 at 4:26 PM
Courtney Nowick
Oh My God, this looks like the most fantastic and decadent dessert I have ever seen. Ironically, I just came from the grocery store before reading your post with green apples, pecans, and caramel. After clicking “post comment” I am out the door to buy chocolate and some french equivalent to Heath bars (I am in France at the moment and in desperate need of some comfort food!).
Great Writing, I will keep following 🙂
October 4, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Sulfonix
It really did change. My. Life.
Finally I know where to dish my apples at, but I was just wondering, if we were to bite that stuff wouldn’t our teeth break? 😀
October 4, 2010 at 5:09 PM
Michael Eriksson
So when you say “change”, you actually mean “shorten”?
October 4, 2010 at 5:11 PM
shortcakecreations
Not only do these apples look amazing and totally yummy but you have such a clever and whitty way of writing that it was fun to read about as well….thanks for sharing 🙂
October 4, 2010 at 5:17 PM
EricDoesNotExist
Totally life-changing!
Utterly(ish) healthy!
And, as an added extra plus, represents EVERY MAIN FOOD GROUP!
With your nutrition consciousness, freakishly shaped hands, and TOOTH BREAKING, THROAT COATING, TOFFEE DIPPED, PEANUT ROLLED, CHOCOLATE SLATHERED AND (again) CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT ROLLED ONCE PERFECTLY INNOCENT APPLES…
…I salute you.
October 4, 2010 at 5:33 PM
catherinesmusings
I am going to the grocery store RIGHT NOW! My family is going to be sooo happy! Except for my husband, who has been on a diet for the last million years (seriously, most of the last 2 years) and needs some food happiness anyway.
October 5, 2010 at 2:12 AM
catherinesmusings
I made them and they are gone! Thank you so much for posting this. I took some to a neighbor as a thank you and my teenagers devoured the rest (I only made 9). I’m looking forward to reading your blog again. You have a fun writing style! 🙂
October 4, 2010 at 5:36 PM
gigi
Wow. These look sticky and way too sweet for me. I would definitely need to use sticks.
I don’t cook, I clean. My ex cooked and didn’t clean. This was the best part of our relationship.
I think I will keep reading your blog.
October 4, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Modern Funk
Stop it! You are making me drool all over the place! 😉
October 4, 2010 at 5:55 PM
sarah k @ the pajama chef
oh my gosh! these look INCREDIBLE. so much better than those fake caramel apples at the store. man. i must make these soon!
October 4, 2010 at 5:56 PM
sarah k @ the pajama chef
oh, and my husband & i have the same deal going as you two. i cook, he cleans. perfecto! but my husband can cook too, and does on my busy days. in fact, monday nights are his turn. maybe i’ll make dessert tonight to celebrate!
October 4, 2010 at 6:11 PM
Ruby Craft
I like the idea of cutting the apple after you have all the goodies on it. This way you can eat it without getting too messed up. But cutting these will be the way I would get messed up. They look delicious!
October 4, 2010 at 6:14 PM
notesfromrumbleycottage
Next gathering at me house is including these beauties. Thanks for sharing!!!
October 4, 2010 at 6:17 PM
Summer
OMG!! it looks so good!! I really want to try that!! I will do some soon!
October 4, 2010 at 6:35 PM
fontgirl
Yum!! If you like caramel apples, I have a great recipe for caramel apple cupcakes on my blog. Check it out at http://fontgirl.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/back-to-school-baking/
October 4, 2010 at 6:54 PM
Emily
man… featured again? i think maybe you should just post all of moms recipes….seems to be a trend. you’re making some extras for me and sending them this way right? congrats. love you!
October 4, 2010 at 7:08 PM
Headed down the foodie trail, brb… « RagazzAmbulante
[…] to WordPress, and on the front page there is a Fresh Pressed on a Change-Your-Life Caramel Apple. Of course I had to see! While checking it out I noticed on this bloggers blogroll that there is […]
October 4, 2010 at 7:18 PM
Lisa Smith Molinari
I have never used this acronym until now….OMG! I am drooling as I type. Those bad boys look obnoxiously delicious!
October 4, 2010 at 7:20 PM
joshsuds
*NYOM NYOM NYOM* That’s the sound I’ll be making as soon as I try out your awesome looking recipe.
October 4, 2010 at 7:21 PM
pbandchutney
Loved the step by step guide.. never tried em, but they look delish!
October 4, 2010 at 7:22 PM
The Gates of Lodore
One of the fall classics… thanks for reminding us of the season!
October 4, 2010 at 7:41 PM
hazzele
It looks easy and delicious
October 4, 2010 at 7:44 PM
rayan
you are wonderful !!!!!!!!
i enjoy i your post & pictures
October 4, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Change-Your-Life Caramel Apple (via ) | Agardenfriend's Blog
[…] Every now and then, I feel like sharing with you something that will forever change your life. Because life is lovely right now, I feel as if I must share this Chocolate Caramel Apple treat with ya. It will Change. Your. Life. Forever. Like every great recipe in my repertoire, this one comes from my mama. I've been making them for years, and I always make some to share with my co-workers. It may be the only reason I still have a job. OK, OK. It l … Read More […]
October 4, 2010 at 7:58 PM
annelleo
This seems sooooo tasty. And it is so easy explained.(pictures really help!)
I think even I could make something like this when i get home(and i usually don’t like cooking, and absolutely hate cleaning 😀 )
October 4, 2010 at 7:58 PM
ejomlexus
Now I’m craving…
October 4, 2010 at 8:04 PM
latenightcoffee
First congratulations on being “Freshly Pressed” and second…THANK YOU! This recipe looks wonderful…(like I need more sweets). I really like your writing style…I’ll definitely be back!
October 4, 2010 at 8:16 PM
becky
this was HIGHLY entertaining to read. thanks for sharing! they look delicious.
October 4, 2010 at 8:18 PM
Stephanie
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! It’s the ultimate candy apple and hit a few of the major food groups. You have your fruit, protein from the peanuts and of course chocolate. The pictures are a lot of help too. I can’t wait to try this out!
October 4, 2010 at 8:55 PM
Rachel
Yum. This was a nice afternoon distraction from work. 🙂
October 4, 2010 at 8:57 PM
janaorwig@gmail.com
please tell me you have some left over. PLEASE. its my birthday.
October 4, 2010 at 9:17 PM
allYOUcanTHINKbuffet
My boyfriend and I have the same agreement. I cook and he cleans; it is an amazing thing to cook, eat and be done. These apples look amazing! I will probably be giving these out as presents! Thanks for the post and congrats on FP!
October 4, 2010 at 9:20 PM
vampiregran
Holy Mary, Mother of God!!!!!!!
October 4, 2010 at 9:21 PM
blogergal
Wow, this is just so corrupt. I feel sugar high just from looking at the photos 🙂
October 4, 2010 at 10:17 PM
hasayang
Feels hungry right now. And I am off to work. Great entry.
October 4, 2010 at 10:32 PM
semicharmed
That looks really yummy and you wrote it in very entertaining way! Great job! =)
October 4, 2010 at 10:57 PM
mybakingempire
ummm agreed. fairly certain you have changed my life. MUST MAKE ASAP!
October 4, 2010 at 11:31 PM
monica
yum!!!!! thanks for sharing this. I want that snicker bar right now! LOL
October 4, 2010 at 11:36 PM
Juli Mize
Those look amazing, thanks for sharing!
October 5, 2010 at 12:07 AM
Mireya Pizarro
Awesome! This has changed my life wow I want to try one. love the way you wrote it!
October 5, 2010 at 12:07 AM
Elastamom
Must. Try. These.
October 5, 2010 at 12:23 AM
Generation 26
Oh. My god I almost licked my computer screen
October 5, 2010 at 12:24 AM
The Perfectly Imperfect One
OH YUM!!!!!
October 5, 2010 at 12:40 AM
Rossqt
Beautiful recipe!!!! and a perfect little present! Love it! Thanks for sharing!
October 5, 2010 at 1:18 AM
Jillian
How absolutely decadant!
October 5, 2010 at 1:38 AM
dietplaid
Holy moly. I feel like a better person just thinking of making these!
October 5, 2010 at 1:58 AM
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
These look so much better than a typical caramel apple! HOLY WOW! 🙂 Rock on Leah…it’s so awesome that you are Freshly Pressed!
October 5, 2010 at 2:00 AM
victoriasparcy
Oh God. I love caramel apples alone. But chocolate too! OH MY GOODNESS! Hail to Leah for making this delicious recipe.
Also, this recipe has changed my life. 😀
Check out my blog (involving a seriously gross dolphin slaughter) at savingthespecies.wordpress.com.
Thanks!
October 5, 2010 at 2:28 AM
OHMYGOSH Caramel Apples!!! « Robbisgirl's Blog
[…] Every now and then, I feel like sharing with you something that will forever change your life. Because life is lovely right now, I feel as if I must share this Chocolate Caramel Apple treat with ya. It will Change. Your. Life. Forever. Like every great recipe in my repertoire, this one comes from my mama. I've been making them for years, and I always make some to share with my co-workers. It may be the only reason I still have a job. OK, OK. It l … Read More […]
October 5, 2010 at 2:30 AM
Christine Marie
One question…if this is practically a 3 course healthy dinner, can I also have it for lunch and breakfast?
Yum!
October 5, 2010 at 3:23 AM
Cora
Why, why I’ve never tought about this before?
October 5, 2010 at 3:26 AM
leahsinger
All I can say is, WOW! That looks incredibly good! By the way, I was in my local Vons this weekend and found bags of Kraft UNWRAPPED caramels! I plan to stock up big time.
October 5, 2010 at 4:32 AM
rockstarronan
http://www.rockstarronan.com
because you will be thankful for everything.
October 5, 2010 at 5:18 AM
Change-Your-Life Caramel Apple « Topmace
[…] Check out how it was done. […]
October 5, 2010 at 6:19 AM
teapotchronicles
I’m currently buying my first house. This will be served at my first-house-housewarming party. Yes it will…
October 5, 2010 at 6:54 AM
ericsoncudg
Hmm that’s delicious
October 5, 2010 at 6:53 AM
Imaginarium of Pau
Wow! Just the photos alone made me wanting to taste those apples. Nice recipe! 🙂
October 5, 2010 at 6:54 AM
Nicole
This is a great recipe especially for Halloween time. I also love the rationale at the end: protein in the nuts, apples are healthy etc. I do this rationalization allll the time. Especially for ice cream.
October 5, 2010 at 7:14 AM
Akasha82
That’s tempting! Too much of anything isn’t healthy though. Still we can’t resist such sweets like that. I’d probably try this recipe one of these days and would let this one change my life! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Buy WoW Account
October 5, 2010 at 7:53 AM
Kenneth&Jesline
hi.That was really cool.Although i’m not tasting it,but i know it’s defintely delicious.I’m gonna try this after my exams. Thanks real much!!
October 5, 2010 at 8:10 AM
mshmosha
YUMii
October 5, 2010 at 8:27 AM
Club Dine In!
wow, whimsical!
October 5, 2010 at 9:23 AM
absolutsteph
Looks so decadent! I will try making caramel apples one of these days. I first tried this treat in a kiosk called San Fo Treats here in Manila, and they were selling caramel apples in different coatings. Yummy!
October 5, 2010 at 9:32 AM
0ranz0
wow~it must be so delicious!!!!
October 5, 2010 at 9:51 AM
livvy30
YUM!!! 🙂 I must give them a try.
http://ayearinmyshoes.worpress.com
October 5, 2010 at 10:56 AM
fattydumpling
Oh my, caramel apples are actually made from caramel! Candy apples should step aside for these…this doesn’t look very difficult, it shall be done soon.
…your writing amuses me ;]
October 5, 2010 at 12:56 PM
jennie365
Hello. I love you.
That is all.
*drools*
October 5, 2010 at 1:46 PM
Short – really short – hair « Catherinesmusings's Blog
[…] I came home and ate the most amazing candy covered apples from another wordpress blog. You gotta read that recipe! I’m pretty sure it’s a […]
October 5, 2010 at 2:10 PM
eternal evie
I looks yummy :L *drools*
I think it’s great to combine the apple with the caramel and chocolate, this could be healthy and yummy snack 😀
October 5, 2010 at 3:20 PM
Dobens
Sweet baby jesus, that looks good! And damn well done. Though, being a proud sloth, I think I’ll just buy all the ingredients and make it a buffet.
October 5, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Andrea
Oh my! These look insane. And the plain little Granny Smith I have with my lunch today is looking rather boring. Thanks for sharing. Must try soon!
October 5, 2010 at 7:43 PM
pltprincess
Okay … I’m not finding the ‘Buy’ button on this post! Not being a cook myself (dare I mention that I don’t even own pots & pans?!) but having fallen in love with the sweet taste just popping out from your photos, I will need you to somehow deliver these directly to my door, or at the very least, point me to the HR department of your company – you could whip up a new batch to welcome a new co-worker, right!?! Alas, I may have to consider dusting off the unsed kitchen and trying my hand at this yummy deliciousness. Thanks for sahring the recipe. =]
October 5, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Mormon Soprano
Yummmmm…I can’t wait to try these. Thanks for all your great photos! I am a complete klutz in the kitchen, but your instructions are perfectly clear. These will definitely make lovely gifts and fun seasonal treats.
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! Well deserved. – MoSop
October 5, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Carol
I just LOVE it! This one is definitely a must-try!!!
Thx for sharing 🙂
October 6, 2010 at 12:23 AM
Top Posts — WordPress.com
[…] Change-Your-Life Caramel Apple Every now and then, I feel like sharing with you something that will forever change your life. Because life is lovely […] […]
October 6, 2010 at 10:53 AM
ichahassan
very mouth watering recipe yummy, definitely will try… don’t care about my diet at all 😀
October 6, 2010 at 2:33 PM
emspeaks
I have never made caramel apples before, but this looked TOO TOO GOOD to pass up. So I guess this IS life-changing!
I got as far as the caramel and peanuts last night, and this afternoon I’m going to tackle the chocolate step. Sadly I’m at work right now and I don’t have such an apple with me, but I crave it so badly! I can’t wait to get home!
One question: is there any trick you know of to preventing the caramel from sliding down and pooling at the bottom of the apple as it cools? Or is that just something I’m gonna have to deal with?
October 6, 2010 at 2:36 PM
thesevenhillscollection
I haven’t found a fool proof trick. If you are making the apples on a cooler day, that alone seems to help. You can stick them straight into the fridge after dipping in caramel, and that also helps. However, the giant pool of caramel at the bottom of the apple is pretty darn delicious!!
October 6, 2010 at 4:47 PM
twinkle
This was fun to do with my kids. They even went to school the next day bearing bribes for their teachers. How can I thank you?!!!
October 16, 2010 at 7:08 PM
kareninthekitchen
I’ll definitely be trying the caramel apples. Thanks for the recipe!
October 18, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Magic Monday « Adventures of Superalzy
[…] They’re amazingly easy & what’s more magical than candy apples? There’s a killer recipe here & you can adapt it however you like. Or just stop at the caramel coating & throw on a […]
October 29, 2010 at 1:50 PM
PRCA 3330 Comments « Rantings of a PR Student
[…] Change-Your-Life Caramel Apples-From The Seven Hills Blog by […]
April 5, 2011 at 6:30 AM
Kenneth&Jesline
I really like it really muchie! I’ve always loved cooking and baking 🙂 thanks for the recipe! I think I’m doing this for my husband on his birthday. Its obviously the best cooking guide I can find! Your photos’ quailty are great too! *thumbs up*
May 22, 2011 at 10:36 PM
get ms points free
I didn’t even have to read any of the post, those pictures are so yummy looking wow. Mark me down for making a ton of these 🙂
September 4, 2011 at 2:11 PM
Schnettler
Wonderful post, I like your impressive blog, found you on FP.
Please visit my interesting training blog.
September 4, 2011 at 9:12 PM
Redeker
Legendary post, I enjoy this spectacular site,I found you along freshly pressed!
Please do check my personal fascinating training blog.
September 11, 2011 at 1:58 AM
catherinesmusings
I remembered this post from last year and came back. This time I posted a link to it on facebook and twitter and on my blog. So all 4 of my readers should be stopping by. Thank you for all of the time it took to take all of those pictures. I’ve tried to do that and found it was more daunting than it looks.