Caramel-Apple Bar

Recipe by Kimme Hargrove

Get creative with this family-friendly, do-it-yourself caramel-apple bar that allows everyone to make personalized versions of the sweet treat.

Slice green and red apples, and insert a long lollipop stick into each slice. Place dips such as white chocolate, milk chocolate and Caramel-Apple Caramel (see recipe below) in dishes. Offer toppings such as sprinkles, crumbled graham crackers, miniature chocolate chips, toffee bits, marshmallows, shredded coconut and chopped peanuts. Dip apple slices in the chocolate or caramel followed by your choice of toppings. Finally for extra sweetness, drizzle with homemade Caramel Sauce (see recipe below).

Caramel-Apple Caramel

1 cup whipping cream, divided

¾ cup light corn syrup

½ cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla (preferably paste, but extract will do)

Using a large 3- to 4-quart saucepan with a candy thermometer attached, heat ¾ cup cream, corn syrup, buter and sugar to 245°F. The syrup mixture will become a thick, firm ball. Remove from heat, and slowly swirl in the remaining ¼ cup cream and the vanilla. The mixture will steam and bubble vigorously. Pour into a bowl, dip apple slices, let cool slightly, and eat.

Caramel Sauce

1 ½ cups sugar

1/3 cup water

1 ¼ cups whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla (preferably paste, but extract will do)

Using a large 3- to 4-quart saucepan with a candy thermometer attached, level sugar at the bottom, and pour water over top. Swirl the pan to mix. Cook over low heat 7-10 minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium, and boil until candy thermometer reads 350°F (about 5 to 7 minutes), swirling the pan rather than stirring. Turn the heat off, and slowly add the cream and vanilla. The mixture will steam and bubble vigorously. The caramel will turn almost completely solid, but continue to simmer over low heat, stirring with a whisk, until caramel dissolves and becomes a smooth sauce. Once cook, drizzle over apple slices.