Atomic Apples Recipes

ATOMIC CANDY APPLES

Steps:

• Put 3 inches of water in a 3 1/2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Insert the narrow end of a chopstick into the bottom blossom end of each apple. Dip the apples, 1 at a time, into the boiling water for 20 seconds to remove the wax coating. Wipe dry with a paper towel. Transfer apples to a half-sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
• Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 2-quart saucepan and set over medium heat. Cover and bring it to a boil, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking the syrup until it reaches 300ºF on a digital instant-read thermometer, approximately 15 minutes. When the syrup reaches temperature, take the pot off the heat and remove the thermometer. Add the cayenne, cinnamon oil, and food coloring, stirring thoroughly to combine. Cool until the bubbles calm and begin to subside, about 3 minutes.
• Dip each apple in the warm syrup, turning slowly to coat. Continue to turn, allowing the excess to drip back into the pot. Cool the apples completely on the prepared half-sheet pan. Wrap individually in waxed paper and plastic wrap, or store for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container.

CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Skewer the stem-end of the apples with popsicle sticks. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with wax paper. Place desired coatings in large shallow bowls.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, milk, corn syrup, maple syrup, vanilla, molasses and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil until it registers 236 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Immediately pour the caramel into a heatproof bowl; let cool to 200 degrees F.
• Dip the apples in the desired coatings. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets to set and let cool completely.