Caramel Apples

Every since I was a little girl i loved caramel apples. Back then they were only in the stores in the fall season. Now you can find them year round. Caramel apples can be plain, with nuts or candies or even as elaborate as the ones pictured above.

8 wooden craft sticks

8 medium Gala apples
2 (6.5-ounce) packages caramel apple wraps
1 (16-ounce) chocolate bar
16 ounces vanilla bark coating
Orange paste food coloring
Toppings: colored sprinkles, chopped peanuts, black writing gel

Insert craft sticks into apples. Cover each apple with 1 caramel wrap. Microwave at HIGH 15 to 20 seconds. Cool. Melt chocolate bar in a small saucepan over low heat. Dip each apple into chocolate; let dry.
Melt vanilla bark coating in a small saucepan over low heat; stir in orange food coloring. Dip or drizzle each apple with vanilla coating mixture. Decorate with desired toppings, and let dry.

Source: Southern Living October 2001