CARAMEL, CHOCOLATE AND CANDY APPLES

Caramel, Chocolate and Candy Apples image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories dessert

Time 5h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Vegetable oil cooking spray
6 small apples, washed and dried, stems removed *see Cook's Note
2 (9.5-ounce) bags soft caramel candies, unwrapped (recommended: Kraft Classic Caramels)
1/4 cup pulp-free orange juice
1 (4-ounce) bar 53 percent cocoa dark chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (recommended: Nestle Chocolatier)
Assorted small candies, chopped nuts and sprinkles

Steps:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with vegetable oil cooking spray. Insert the craft sticks halfway into the stem-ends of the apples.
In a medium, heavy saucepan, over low heat, combine the caramel candies and orange juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the candies have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool for 2 minutes. Dip the apples in the caramel until coated and put them on the parchment paper until firm, about 2 hours.
Put the chocolate in a medium bowl and set it over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel. Put the apples back on the parchment paper for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with small candies, chopped nuts or sprinkles and allow the chocolate to harden, at room temperature, for about 3 to 4 hours.