Apple Pie Caramel Apples

Twice a year we treat ourselves to yummy Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory caramel apples.  Our favorite?  You guessed it.....the Apple Pie Caramel Apple.  Why only twice a year?  Since they are a little pricey, we treat ourselves to one every LDS General Conference (April and October).  But then I decided, if I could figure out how to make them myself, then I could have them all year round!!!  So let me introduce  you to the most heavenly taste around!  I give you...the Apple Pie Caramel Apple!

Caramel
6 - 8 Granny Smith Apples
2 pkg Kraft Caramels (14 oz size)
2 T milk

White Chocolate

2 pkgs Nestle White Chocolate Chips
2 tsp Shortening

Cinnamon Sugar
1 c Sugar
3 tsp Cinnamon

1.  Boil a pot of water.
2.  Quickly dip apples in boiling water.  This removes the waxy film that is on the apples.  Dry them thoroughly.
3.  Place apples on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper and lightly sprayed with cooking spray.  Place in fridge to cool 15 minutes.
4.  Place caramel and milk in microwave safe bowl.  Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring often until caramels are completely melted.
5.  Dip apples in caramel.  Twirl the apple around a few times.  Hold it over the bowl and let it drip for a minute until the caramel settles.  Place back on the wax paper lined cookie sheet.
6.  When all apples are dipped, place back in the fridge.
7.  Place white chocolate chips in microwave safe bowl.  Microwave in 30 second increments until chocolate is melted, stirring often.  DO NOT get chocolate too hot.
8.  Add shortening to chocolate when it's completely melted and stir until incorporated.
9.  Mix sugar and cinnamon in a regular cereal bowl.  Make sure the cinnamon is mixed in well.
10.  Roll apples in chocolate and let them drip above the bowl for a minute.
11.  Roll in cinnamon sugar and place back on cookie sheet.
12.  Place back in fridge for 15 minutes or so until chocolate hardens.  I keep them in the fridge as they will start to "wilt" if they get too warm.

Enjoy~

Candy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

WARNING:  These are WAY addicting!!!!! 

24 C Popped popcorn (1 C unpopped)
1 16 0z bag of gum drops, cinnamon bears, orange slices...whatever you like!
1 C butter
1/2 C corn syrup
1 1/2 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 C mini marshamallows
Food coloring

1.  Pop up your popcorn and set it aside.
2.  Dice candy up into chunks.  Snip it with kitchen scissors...it's MUCH quicker!
3.  In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and corn syrup.  Heat to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
4.  Remove from heat.  Add vanilla, marshmallows and food coloring (match it to your candy).
Mix well to get everything melted and combined.
5.  Stir in candy.
6.  Add mixture to your popped popcorn (make sure you use a really large bowl).  Stir it all around until popcorn is well coated.
7.  Form into balls and set on wax paper.
Yields apprx. 15 popcorn balls.

Caramel Popcorn

This is one of my all time favorite recipes!  Delicious ANY time of year!!!  Makes a great movie night treat!

1 C unpopped popcorn
1 C brown sugar
1/2 C butter
3/4 C karo syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 large brown paper bag (ask for it at the grocery store)


1.  Pop corn in air popper and set aside. 

2.  Melt butter in a medium saucepan.  Add sugar and corn syrup.  Stir till boiling.  Remove from heat and add vanilla and soda.

3.  Place popcorn in paper bag and pour caramel mixture over the top.  Shake bag vigorously to coat all the popcorn.  This is a great job for the kids! Or a great way to work out a little frustration???  :)

4.  Place bag in microwave and cook for 1 minute.  YES!  I'm not kidding!!!

5.  Take bag from microwave and shake again.  (Shake Shake a Shake it!)

6.  Place bag in microwave and cook again for 1 minute.

7.  Spread caramel corn out on a cookie sheet or over wax paper to cool.  (But it's pretty good eats when it's warm!!!)

You can also add your favorite munchie to eat like M&M's, nuts, toffee bits, pieces of snickers, etc.  Go wild!