Sweet Candy Apples
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: September 22, 2011

Apple season is upon us and there is only one recipe I am thinking about (and it's not apple pie).  I love, love, love candy apples (did I mention love?).  I don't know what it is about them, maybe it's the sweet candy coating against the tart apple or the satisfaction of eating dessert on a stick.  Candy apples are a fun food project to do with friends just beware of the hot sugar!
 
Candy Apples
Recipe from Bakingdom
 
Ingredients:
 
2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon candy flavoring oil
or
1 tablespoon extract of your choice
Food coloring (optional)
 
Directions:
 
In a medium saucepan set over high heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil, then continue boiling until the mixture reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, keep a bowl of cold water nearby. As the candy cooks, periodically drop a tiny amount into the water. The candy is ready when it turns hard and brittle in the water. Remove the candy from the heat and stir in the flavoring oil or (careful!) extract, as well as the food coloring. Dip apples immediately and place on Silpat mats or parchment paper to set.
 
*A note from Bakingdom: A note on the difference between flavoring oil and extracts. Flavoring oil is a much more concentrated ingredient, so you need much less. Also, since it is oil based, it is easier to use in candy making because it doesn’t cause any spluttering when added to the hot candy. Extracts, however, are cheaper and are usually easier to find. You need more, and it’s a little more dangerous, but there is a wide variety of choices at any grocery store.