Caramel Apples with Strudel Topping

I've decided that a caramel apple is probably one of the happiest things on earth... I just want to know who came up with this heavenly combination. They just go together like Adam and Eve!!! (Can you tell I'm thinking apples?) Anyway... we had such a fun Relief Society activity at my church were Sis. Gomez shared her secret recipe and tips with a bunch of other gals. It was so fun to hear it from a pro! I'm am so excited to try this again on my own- candy just requires a lot of time, patience, and love... and sometimes I just don't have all three to give, so I'll have to pick the right day to give this another shot. :) I think they make such cute gifts though- who wouldn't love one wrapped in cellophane? She was saying they have done white chocolate and crushed pepper-mint for Christmas. I thought that was a fun idea. Anyway- just the perfect fall treat while all your apples are just a little cheaper. Mmmmm... you are going to love this! that strudel topping is amazing by the way!

Caramel Apples

• Use fresh, crisp, slightly tart apples (like fugi, honey crisp, or jonagold). I find Granny Smith a little too tart, but whatever your favorite apple is will work fine.
• Wash apples--wipe dry to remove waxy coating (if buying from the store.)
• Insert sticks--can use whatever you have on hand.
• Make your own caramel--it's a lot easier than unwrapping all those little squares!
  

Caramel
2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cup dark Karo Syrup (corn syrup)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup butter (use the real thing)
2 cups cream

Put sugar, butter, karo syrup, and 1 cup of the cream into a large heavy pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir to help dissolve the sugar. Once it starts to boil add the 2nd cup of cream slowly. Stir often. The caramel can be cooked to many different stages. For apples you need to cool to a medium ball stage, otherwise it will just slide off the apple. An approximate time is around 20-30 minutes. I check the caramel with cold water to determine the hardness. Once cooled, turn heat off and add your vanilla. This also makes a delicious caramel dip if cooled top a soft ball stage.

• Fill a small bowl or plate with just a little sugar.
• Now dip those apples into the delicious caramel. (Hold the stick and just roll until covered.)
• Dip the bottom (the non-stick end) in the sugar bowl, just a little and set it on a piece of wax paper so it won't stick.
  
• Decorate with melted chocolate, chopped nuts, mini m&m's or whatever your heart desires. My family love white chocolate with a strudel topping sprinkled on the apples.
  

Strudel Topping
1/3 brown sugar
2 T butter
3 T whole wheat flour (can use white)
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cut butter into the sugar, flour and cinnamon. Spread on cookie sheet at bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.