Whitney's Vanilla Bean Caramel Apples

I wasn't going to post this yet, because I wanted to try it again but seeing that we're moving next week, "caramel apples: take 2" moved down the priority list. The caramel was yummy and unique and very chewy. Next time, I'll use a deeper pan and not heat it as high as the recipe calls for. My helper (Brandon) also accidentally stirred it once or twice and had to lift the pan off the burner for a minute since it was going to boil over - yikes! I don't know if this caused the caramel to harden quickly later, but it did. What we ate immediately was quite delicious and very chewy like Danielle mentioned. We also used the vanilla extract instead of the bean and weren't disappointed. Happy Fall although it's still 90+ degrees here everyday!

Fall is Here! Time for Caramel Apples!

This week's recipe is Vanilla Bean Caramel Apples on page 166.

I really wanted to do the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, but there appears to be a shortage of canned pumpkin puree. (I went to four stores and couldn't find any. One store employee said they've been out for weeks. I didn't know how many of you would be willing to make your own.)

These were pretty easy, and with good apples, they're pretty tasty. I used a vanilla bean, but I'm sure you could try it with vanilla extract (follow the maple extract instructions). World Market is a great place to get real vanilla beans for cheap. I got a packet with two vanilla beans for, I think, $4 (great place for other cool spices too!).

For dowels, I picked up some sturdy chop sticks at the grocery store. They were a little on the long side, but they worked great.

My caramel turned out to be a little too chewy. I don't think I overcooked it, but I would've preferred it to be a little on the runnier side. So if you don't like chewy caramel, err on the side of under cooking it rather than over cooking it.

I halved the recipe and it barely covered four large apples. Since I was halving it, I only used half of a vanilla bean, but I should've used a whole one. The vanilla bean smelled great, but the flavor wasn't very strong.

Overall, I was happy with the recipe. I don't think I've ever made my own caramel apples before, so it was fun to do. And caramel apples are the perfect treat to kick off Fall!