Weekend Caramel Apple Sundaes

It is apple picking season and I wanted to share this tantalizingly delicious dessert recipe with you to try this weekend. It can be made in the slow cooker in just 4 hours  Here's how!

Place 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks or slices, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 cup sugar into your slow cooker and stir.

Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours.  Apples should be cooked but not falling apart.

OR

If you aren't a fan of the slow cooker, here's the oven method. Core the apples, place a pat of butter inside each apple, sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon, a sprinkle of raisins and place in preheated 400 degree oven for an hour or until the apples are soft. 

Serve the apples into bowls over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.  

New Twist on Caramel Apples - Make "POPS"

CARAMEL APPLE POPS

One of my favorite treats in the Fall season are caramel apples! I saw a great new way on ABC's "The Chew" recently to enjoy your caramel apples in a new fun way. Thank you Clinton Kelly!  It involves your weekend guests and gives everyone a chance to create their own  Caramel Apple Pop. What a simple and delicious "weekend" activity no matter what the size of your group!    Here's what you will need:

Baking sheets lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.  Spray lightly with cooking spray.
Fresh Granny Smith Apples
Warmed Caramel Sauce
Toppings of your choice...i.e...chopped peanuts, colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, m&m's, sweetened shredded coconut
Wooden skewers or craft sticks from your local craft store
Melted chocolate (for drizzling) Melt chocolate chips in microwave for a few seconds, stirring frequently so they don't burn.  Put into a ziplock sandwich bag, snip the corner off and drizzle onto your finished apple.  Modify any of the above to your liking:)

Granny Smith Apples taste best for caramel apples (not too sweet or tart)!
I use Marzetti Caramel Dip which can be found at your local supermarket this time of year and is sold in 16 ounce tubs for approximately $4.00 each.  Place the tub into microwave and stir every 10 seconds or so until melted. EASY!
If desired, you can purchase a 14 ounce bag of Kraft Caramels instead for your caramel sauce. Unwrap your caramels and place in a microwave safe bowl with 1/4 cup milk, microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.

Put your toppings of choice in small individual bowls ahead of time to save time.

Cut your apples into half moon shape wedges and place on a plate for everyone to choose from.
Skewer your apple wedge, dip into your warmed caramel sauce, sprinkle with your topping(s) and lay onto greased parchment paper.  Drizzle with melted chocolate and eat when cooled!  What a great weekend treat!  ENJOY!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!