• Before you begin: Start a day ahead. Your apples need to be washed, dried, and chilled overnight so the caramel sticks and sets instead of sliding off.

Day 1 - Apple Preparation

• Bring a large pot of water to almost a boil then remove it from the heat
• Submerge your apples in the water for 1 minute to remove the wax from the apples.
• Dry the apples well, rubbing with pressure to make sure all the wax is removed.
• Remove the stems from the apples by twisting them off.
• Place your stick into apples, making sure the apple stands up straight up. Give your apple a little shake to make sure the stick is secure.
• Place all your apples onto a sheet pan lined with a silicone mat and put them into the fridge to chill overnight or until you are ready to dip your apples.

Day 2 - Making Caramel Apples

• In a heavy bottom sauce pan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, cream, salt, and butter.
• Over medium-high heat stir the mixture until butter has melted and then continue to cook the mixture without any further stirring.
• Use a clean pastry brush with water to wash down the sides of the pot to prevent crystallization.
• Place the lid on the saucepan and let the mixture boil for 5 minutes. The condensation will also wash down the sides of the pot to prevent crystallization.
• Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan and continue to cook the caramel until it reaches 240 to 245º F
• Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla, taking care not to burn yourself as the caramel will bubble up when you add it.
• Let the caramel cool down for 5 to 10 minutes. It will be ready to dip around 190 to 200º F. If your caramel is too runny, allow it to cool for 5 more minutes, it will continue to set up.
• Using an oven mitt to hold your pot of caramel at an angle, gently roll your apple in the caramel until evenly coated.
• Let the excess caramel drip off the bottom and gently scrape the excess on the edge of the pan before placing the apple on the silicone mat to cool.
• Let the apples cool completely. Placing the apples in the fridge will speed up the cooling, however you need to wrap them after coming out of the fridge or they will condensate. Apples will last in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days.