Tips for Caramel Dips!!

Making caramel apples is fun and rewarding! If you're an apple dipper novice you can easily get overwhelmed. Here are some basic tips to help you navigate the kitchen mess and exit gracefully as a dipping expert.

#1- DECIDE: What type of caramel you want?

I prefer to use homemade caramel, but if you want a quicker method you don’t need to unwrap tons of individual cubes of caramel. You can use a 5lb loaf of Peters Caramel (available at specialty food/kitchen stores). It covers around 25 medium sized apples. If you don’t need to use the entire loaf, just place the extra in an airtight container and it’s shelf stable for 12 months.

#2- CHOOSE: Pick your Poison...apple, that is!

The truth is that any good, firm apple will do. I like the tart granny smith apples and the sweet honey crisp. You’ll want to stay away from the softer apples like macintosh and summer rambo’s.

#3- WASH: Think Karate Kid - Wax on, Wax off!

The shiny finish on the apples you get from the grocers is called shellac. It is a waxy food grade finish coated on the apples to protect them until they make it to your home. This needs to be removed before dipping your apples in caramel. If not the caramel will slip right off the apple. More than just washing your apple, you must scrub the apple. I also use a vegetable wash that works wonderfully. Make sure the apples are completely dry before dipping. 

#4- POKE: With a sturdy stick!

Choose a sturdy, longer, heavier stick that can support the weight of the apple, caramel and other delicious toppings.  I set the apple on the table first and see how it sits. No matter what side the apple is leaning too I push the stick in (closest to the core) where it is straight, even if the apple isn’t.

#5- DIP: Just say no! to puddles.

After you dip your apple, shake, and then wait for just a few moments and make sure the excess caramel drips off just a bit. Then use a spatula and scrap the bottom 1/3 of the caramel off the apple. Set it down on a greased cookie sheet, the warm caramel on the top of the apple continues to flow down and cover the bottom without a huge puddle mess!

      #6- DECORATE: Yes, you can have it all
Before you start its a good idea to know what direction you want to go with the final toppings and candy decorations. Are you creating your apples by theme or for a particular colors scheme?  Once I have an idea of what I want my apples to feature I set up my workspace to look like a candy bar at an ice cream shop. Bowls filled with every little sprinkle, cookie, candy, chocolate variety, and nut available. This can be pretty massive because I've got a sprinkle fetish. When you're ready to decorate get creative and go for it!