How to make candied apples

If you look forward to the sweet treats of autumn, this guide will help you enjoy them year-round.
You Will Need
* Six small apples
* Six skewers or popsicle sticks
* 1 1/2 c. water
* 4 1/2 c. granulated sugar
* 1 c. corn syrup
* Your favorite candies
* A small saucepan
* A candy thermometer
* A cooling rack
* A cookie sheet
* Red food coloring (optional)

Step 1: Wash and skewer apples
Wash the apples with warm, soapy water, remove the stems, and then plunge the skewer about two inches into the top of each apple. Set aside.

Choose smaller apples that are tart such as the Granny Smith or Tiger variety.

Step 2: Combine water, sugar, and corn syrup
Combine the water, sugar, and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir to the consistency of wet sand.

Step 3: Monitor temperature
Use your candy thermometer to bring the sugar mixture to a temperature of 283 degrees, or “soft crack stage.”

For a more brittle candy shell, continue heating the sugar mixture to between 300 and 310 degrees.

Step 4: Remove sugar mixture from heat
Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and allow it to rest for three minutes.

Swirl in the red food coloring – or any color of your choice.

Step 5: Dip apples
Tilt the pan to dip each apple at a 45-degree angle and swirl to coat it. Transfer it to the cooling rack immediately.

Step 6: Sprinkle on candy
Sprinkle on your favorite crushed candy while the coating is still tacky for an extra special treat. Once cooled, enjoy them right away or save them for later.

Fact: There are over 7,500 varieties of apples grown all over the world.