Gourmet white chocolate cinnamon caramel apples

Years ago while visiting my cousin in Seattle she served us these apples from rocky mountain chocolate factory I could not get enough, but at $8 each and 3 times as much from stores like Williams and Sonoma and Harry and David that was too spendy for me.  So what is a creative and frugal girl to do… make them myself!!  I knew I could make them for much cheaper and be just as good, if not better because they were made with love . I experimented and figured out it was easy to do, It does take some time, but if you don’t have it there are short cuts to take.   Now they are a staple in our home very fall. 
This week for family night we made these to share with new neighbors who just moved in to welcome them and wish them a happy fall.. This is a classic fall treat that everyone enjoys! I hope you do too

Printer friendly recipe
Ingredients
12 large, tart apples (You can use red apples too but I like the contrast of the Granny smith with the sweets caramel and chocolate)
 Homemade caramel - or 2 bags Kraft caramels if you are short on time
2 bags white chocolate chips  1 T oil for thinning and it helps the chocolate set faster. ( I like a nicer brand like guittard, or white chocolate melting chocolate from a candy or baking supply store. Our Win-Co actually sells it is in bulk it is called white chocolate melty. it works great. I use about 1 and a half pounds.
1/2 cup sugar mixed cinnamon to taste usually about 1-2 teaspoons
 Popsicle/ craft sticks
 Cellophane bags for wrapping
Ribbon for tying and decorating
Any cute tags to attach

Caramel Recipe great for 2 dozen apples or dip some and save some yummy caramel for later
4 cups of sugar
1 can of evaporated milk
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup of unsalted butter
1 tsp. of Vanilla
2 cups of light corn syrup
Instructions: Melt butter. In a heavy saucepan combine sugar, syrup, and butter over medium heat. While on the medium heat bring mixture to a rolling boil. Slowly pour milk in as you stir. It takes a while at this point I thought it would never quite get to the right temperature, but just keep stirring. Slow and steady wins the race, do not raise your temperature. The caramel will turn to a caramel color. Cook to a firm ball stage (Drop a little of this syrup in cold water and it will form a firm ball, one that won’t flatten when you take it out of the water, but remains malleable and will flatten when squeezed.) or 240-245 degrees. Once at firm ball stage, take off heat and add vanilla. Stir constantly. Let it cool for five to ten minutes and then test an apple.
Tip1: have all these ingredients ready and pre measured so you do not burn caramel. It works best with a candy thermometer, nice ones are great, but a cheap one from the grocery store will do the job as well.
 Tip2:  once sugar has dissolved to syrup do not re introduce new sugar it will crystallize, keep the sides of your pan and utensils clean.

1. Wash and dry apples. Keep apples cold it works much better. I do an ice bath before then dry them off before dipping or just store in cold fridge beforehand
2. In a medium to large saucepan make caramel. , or melt caramel according to package directions l
3. Put popsicle stick in the apple. Dip in melted caramel making sure to fully coat it. Let it drip drip drip then take a knife to scrap off the bottom so you do not have a a large foot of caramel when dried.
4. Place on parchment or wax paper that has been sprayed with cooking spray heavily or a great non stick cookie sheet sprayed with oil or smear butter.
5. Cool in the fridge until caramel is set up. 2-3 hours is best.
6. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second intervals. You can add a little shortening oil veg, oil if the mixture is too thick.
7. Coat the apple with the chocolate. Again drip drip drip and then scrap excess off.
8. Sprinkling it with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
9. Cool completely in the fridge.
10. wrap up pretty and give them to unsuspecting neighbors, they will love you forever!
11. Save some for yourself and enjoy.  You deserve it, you are fabulous, yes you are!!
Happy Fall! 

Cute gift too, this is what we left on doorsteps!