The holiday rush is about to begin and move into full throttle with October and Halloween in the lead for the following months of celebration. This can be a hard time for people just starting a new healthy lifestyle, but here at EGL we are always looking to find ways to create healthy alternatives to old traditions and favorites. What better way to celebrate this holiday then with festive ‘Caramel’ Apples. The tradition of candied apples, apple bobbing and sweet caramel deliciousness will always bring on a sense on nostalgia and create new happy memories.
What is your favorite holiday connection to food and the memories behind it? Share below.
Until next time, enjoy the good life,
Woman on the Journey
Ingredients
- 3 tbs butter (plus extra to grease parchment)
- 1/2 cup “Brown Sugar” (See healthier Version below)
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1 (14oz) can evaporated milk (no sweeteners)
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8-10 Apples (sweet or tart, depends on your sweet tooth)
Ingredients for “Brown Sugar”
- 1 cup of your favorite sugar free sweetener (erythritol)
- 3/4 tsp blackstrap molasses
- 2-4 drops vanilla
Instructions
Measure sugar into small jar. Add molasses and blend with fork until evenly distributed.
Tools
- Parchment paper
- Cookie Sheets
- Sauce pan
- Wood Spoon
- Measure cups and spoons
- 8-10 wood Popsicle sticks
- Candy Thermometer
Clean apples, if waxed make sure to deep clean apples, warm water with splash vinegar, and soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Dry thoroughly, take off stems and put in wood Popsicle stick to each apple, set aside. In a heavy sauce pan, combined butter, ‘brown sugar,’ honey, evaporated milk, bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir regularly till candy thermometer reads 248 degrees (firm ball stage). This takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat stir in vanilla. Let cool about 5 minutes, then dip each apple into caramel mixture, turning to coat. Holding apple by stick sprinkle any topping desired like coconut shreds, or nuts while still hot, they cool quickly. (I set up plates over following with nuts and coconut shreds for these apples and just gently rolled bottoms). Set aside on greased parchment on cookie sheet to assure lifting later without losing all your hard work off the apples. Continue quickly till all apples coated. Let set at least an hour in refrigerator.