••••DECADENT DARK CANDIED APPLES••••

(Source: Countryliving.com & photos also)

••••LEVEL: MODERATE

••••YIELD: 6-8 SERVINGS 

Ingredients

• 6 Red Delicious apples
• 3 c. sugar
• 1 c. water
• ½ c. light corn syrup
• ½ tsp. cinnamon-flavored oil
• ¼ tbsp. red food coloring

Directions

1. Remove stems and skewer apples (see "Tricks for Sticks," below).
2. In a saucepan over high heat, with a candy thermometer attached, heat sugar, water, and light corn syrup, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil until mixture reaches 300 degrees F. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon-flavored oil and 1/4 tablespoon red food coloring.
4. To make red apples: Dip apples, one at a time, then transfer to a greased baking sheet. Let cool, about 10 minutes.
5. To make black apples: Add 1/4 tablespoon black food coloring to your red syrup. (If the syrup has thickened, reheat briefly.) Dip apples, one at a time, then transfer to a greased baking sheet. Let cool, about 10 minutes.

Tips & Techniques

Tricks for Sticks: First, simply twist off the stem. If your skewer is blunt, sharpen it using a utility knife to slice off one end at a diagonal angle. Then, working on a flat surface, firmly grip your apple and push the skewer two-thirds of the way in. If any juice leaks out, blot the fruit with a paper towel before dipping.