Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 medium-sized apples
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- Large saucepan
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the center of each apple.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Stir to combine.
3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and attach the candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 300°F (149°C).
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of red food coloring (if desired).
5. Dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, using a spoon to coat the apple evenly. Allow any excess candy to drip off before placing the apple onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Allow the candy apples to cool and harden completely before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Cook the candy mixture until it reaches 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer.
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 6 candy apples.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of apple for this recipe.
- If you don't have apple cider, you can use apple juice instead.
- You can substitute honey or maple syrup for the corn syrup.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or sprinkles to the candy coating for added texture.
- You can use different spices or flavorings to customize the candy coating to your liking.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with hot candy mixture, as it can cause burns.
- If the candy mixture starts to harden before you've finished dipping all the apples, you can reheat it over low heat until it becomes liquid again.
- You can store leftover candy apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover candy apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- You can reheat leftover candy apples in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the candy coating.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the candy apples on a platter or in a basket lined with fall leaves or hay.
Garnishes:
- You can sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles onto the candy coating for added texture.
Pairings:
- Serve the candy apples with a glass of hot apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- These candy apples make a great dessert on their own, but you could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of pumpkin pie.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the candy coating is too thick, you can add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If the candy coating is too thin, you can cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot candy mixture, as it can cause burns.
- Make sure to insert the wooden skewers or popsicle sticks into the center of the apples to prevent them from falling off during dipping.
Food history:
- Candy apples have been a popular fall treat in the United States since the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
- These spiced apple cider candy apples have a sweet and slightly tart apple flavor with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve these candy apples at a fall festival, Halloween party, or Thanksgiving dinner.
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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Tart, Caramelized, Appley