A Taste of Fall

I have a serious apple addiction.  I can't stop eating apples in any form -- fresh sliced, apple crisp, applesauce, dried apple chips.  My favorite apples are the oh so sweet honey crisps, which were on sale at the local grocery store a couple weeks ago for $1.88 per pound.  So I snagged a couple bags to stock up, since my husband adores these apples, too.

I also love caramel apples, but my husband doesn't.  I always feel goofy making a batch of caramel apples just for me.  So I thought I'd try out an easy caramel apple dip recipe I found a few years back in Progressive Farming magazine.



The homemade caramel dip turned out just like the store-bought kind, except it was a little runny at first.  But it solidified after an overnight stay in the refrigerator.  This dip took less than 5 minutes to make, seriously.  And I didn't have to break out the candy thermometer, which always intimidates me.

Here's the recipe, if you want to try it for yourself.  Enjoy!

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Best Ever Caramel Sauce
Adapted from Progressive Farmer

• 1/2 C. butter or margarine
• 1 C. firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 C. whipping cream
• 1 Tbl. vanilla extract
• Apple slices

Cook butter and brown sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar melts.  Stir in 1/2 C. whipping cream, stirring occasionally.  Bring to a boil, stirring occassionally.  Remove from heat.  Sitr in vanilla.  Serve with apple slices.  Yield: Makes 1-1/4 cups.