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The Dish

Caramel apple masquerade

By JANET K. KEELER, Times Staff Writer
Published October 25, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Patty Yablonski]

The witching hour draws near. Sinister nurses and deranged football players will run helter-skelter through Halloween parties this weekend.

What to feed the ghouls? Sticky caramel apples are a natural. Set out a tray and get a kick out of watching guests fight with the tacky coating. What the heck, tell the orthodontist it's just once a year.

The easiest way to make caramel apples is to buy caramel sheets, wrap them around the apples and push a craft stick in the apple. (The sticks come with the kits, which you can find in most grocery stores this time of year.) Follow instructions to microwave. Let harden on wax paper.

A better way is to take the time to unwrap individual caramels and melt them with a splash of water. (Look for instructions on the bags.) Dip apples in molten goo. This technique, unlike microwaving, keeps the apple crisp.

Most people go for the large Red Delicious apples for caramel apples, but the lightly tart McIntoshes or Granny Smiths pair better with sweet. Sort of like Morticia and Gomez.

Caramel apples are delicious with just fruit and coating, but it's more festive to roll sticky apples in nuts, chocolate or cookies. Better tasting too.

Dressing up you gooey apple

Here are suggestions, fun for kids and flashy for adults, that will turn the sweet-tart treat into Halloween fare fit for Dr. Evil and Mini-Me.

FUN: Cinnamon-sugar

FLASHY: Cayenne and espresso powder

FUN: Raisins

FLASHY: Craisins (dried cranberries) soaked in calvados or another brandy

FUN: Mini-M&Ms

FLASHY: Crushed almond M&Ms

FUN: Crushed Heath bars

FLASHY: Crushed chocolate-covered coffee beans

FUN: Multicolored sprinkles

FLASHY: Orange and black nonpareils

FUN: Hulled sunflower seeds

FLASHY: Toasted, chopped hazelnuts

FUN: Mini-chocolate chips FLASHY: Coca nibs or chopped Hershey's dark chocolate bars with nibs. (Nibs are crunchy, roasted cocoa beans.)

FUN: Shredded coconut

FLASHY: Toasted coconut and chopped macadamia nuts

FUN: Candy corn

FLASHY: Red Hots

[Last modified October 24, 2006, 15:18:24]