Mini Chocolate Dipped Caramel Apples With Vanilla Swirls Recipes

MINI CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
• Wash the apples well, then dry them thoroughly. Insert candy apple sticks into the stem end of the apples.
• Combine the caramels, cream and salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly melted and smooth, 7 to 8 minutes. Dip an apple into the caramel, tilting the pan if necessary to ensure the apple is well-coated. Roll the apples in the garnishes if using. Repeat with the remaining apples and caramel. Cool completely on the parchment paper, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the paper and serve.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 20-40 seconds longer or until the caramels are melted; stir until smooth. , Insert wooden sticks into apples; dip apples into the caramel mixture, turning to coat. Coat with nuts; set on waxed paper to cool. , Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over apples. Sprinkle with toffee bits. Place on waxed paper to cool. Cut into wedges to serve.

CARAMEL CHOCOLATE GINGER SWIRLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine the gingerbread mix according to package instructions. Using a tablespoon, roll dough into balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Slightly flatten each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and cool completely.
• Place a scant 1/2 teaspoon of caramel topping on each cookie center. Top with 1/2 teaspoon chocolate topping. Carefully work chocolate to within 1/4-inch of the edge of the cookies. Place in freezer for 20 to 25 minutes to set. Serve immediately.

SPINACH-CHEESE SWIRLS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork or whisk.
• Stir the muenster cheese, parmesan cheese, onion and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
• Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Brush the pastry sheet with the egg mixture. Top with the cheese mixture and spinach. Starting with a short side, roll up like a jelly roll. Cut into 20 (1/2-inch) slices. Place the slices, cut-side down, onto baking sheets. Brush the slices with the egg mixture.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Remove the pastries from the baking sheets and let cool on wire racks for 10 minutes.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED APPLE RINGS

Steps:

• Finely chop 8 ounces semisweet chocolate. Microwave three-quarters of the chocolate and 1 teaspoon shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted, then stir in the remaining chocolate until smooth. Dip dried apple rings in the chocolate; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray and chill until set.

NONPAREILS

Steps:

• To temper the chocolate, place it over simmering water, melting it to 115 to 120 degrees F on a chocolate thermometer. Turn off the heat, remove the bowl from the simmering water, and let cool, stirring until it reaches 82 to 86 degrees F. It will begin to set a little around the edges at this point. Return the bowl to the hot (now turned off) water for a few seconds at a time, until it reaches 88 to 91 degrees F. Do not let it go over 91 degrees F, or it will go out of temper.
• Fit a pastry bag with a small tip that has a 1/8-inch opening. Fill the bag with tempered chocolate and, onto a silpat, or parchment lined baking sheet, pipe small disks about 3/4-inch in diameter. Shake on the sprinkles and allow them to set up at room temperature. Store in an airtight container.

APPLE-VANILLA MINI MUFFINS WITH CIDER GLAZE

Steps:

• 1. For the apple-vanilla muffins: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and center an oven rack. Line a mini-muffin tray with your favorite liners.
• 2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg together in a large bowl.
• 3. Combine the sugar, butter and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle (or in a large bowl if using a hand mixer). Beat on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 4 minutes, scraping as needed. Add the egg and beat until incorporated (don't worry if the batter curdles). Adjust to medium-low speed and alternate adding the flour mixture and the sour cream in batches, beginning and ending with the flour. Fold in the apples using a spatula.
• 4. Grease a small ice-cream scoop (about 1 1/4 inches) with nonstick spray and fill the liners about 3/4 of the way to the top.
• 5. Bake, rotating halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the muffins comes out clean and the tops spring back when touched, 10 to 12 minutes. Let rest in the hot muffin pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
• 6. For the cider glaze: Boil the cider with the cinnamon stick over medium-high heat until the cider is reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. Whisk in the honey and continue to boil until the liquid is syrupy and just coats the back of a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick and remove from the heat. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar and transfer to a small bowl. Let sit until slightly set but still warm, about 3 minutes.
• 7. Dip the tops of the muffins in the glaze and serve.