Cheaters Handbook: Country Kegger Caramel Apples

My friend Robin is incredible. We have known each other for a few years now, but it was only until this year that we grew really close. She is one of those friends that you can always count on, whether it's offering advice, sharing a huge portion of poutine, or cracking you up till you're crying laughing, she is just the best! But, I recently learned something a little....unsavory about my dear Robin, the girl....gosh, I can hardly say it...the girl loves Country music! I know, it should be a crime! But she just can't get enough of it. Because she plays it so much, it has gotten to the point where I wake up every morning to songs like Honky Tonk Badonkadonk, or She Thinks My Tractors Sexy stuck in my head! I kid you not, those are real songs! So for Robin's 22nd birthday this past Friday, she wanted nothing more than to host a Country Kegger at her house to celebrate the occasion.

Clearly I had to chip in to the food department for her birthday! Nothing gets me more inspired to cook or bake than a theme! I had thought about making a giant cowboy hat-shaped cake, but figured it would end up look like a big blob in the end. So that's when I thought of Caramel Apples. The first time I ever even ate a Caramel Apple was sitting on top of a hay stack at a farm, so I figured this treat would be perfect! There are several recipes out there for making Caramel Apples from scratch, but seriously, why bother when it is so super simple to make them the cheating way? Simply melt down some purchased Creamy Caramels, add some cream and you're good to go! Dressing up your Caramel Apples also adds a great personal touch to the individual treats. Nuts, candies, sprinkles, and other toppings are great to dress up the dessert. I personally love my Caramel Apples rolled in chopped nuts, but due to nut allergies in Robin's family, I refrained from it.

Despite the Country music, the party ended up being a wild success! A well deserved good time for one of the most beautiful people (inside and out) that I know! I love you Robin and wish you all the best for your 22nd year! xo

Ingredients:

12 apples (approximately)
12 popsicle sticks or pieces of dowel
700 g Creamy Caramels (approx. 100 pieces)
6 tbsp cream

Additional Toppings:
chopped nuts
melted chocolate
chocolate chips
spun sugar
toffee chips
sprinkles

Directions:
1. Remove stem from each apple. Insert popsicle sticks or dowel into the top of each apple. Set aside.

2. Melt Creamy Caramels with cream in the top pot or bowl of a double boiler on medium-high heat . Stirring occasionally.

3. While the caramels are melting, prepare a baking sheet large enough to fit all apples lined with a Silpat mat or wax paper. If using additional toppings, prep them in separate bowls.

4. Once caramel is smooth, dip each apple into the melted caramel, making sure to coat all of the apple. You may use a spoon to help to cover. Lift the apple out of the caramel and let the excess caramel drip off.

4. If using additional toppings, immediately top the caramel covered into your choice of additional topping or spoon the topping onto the apple.

5. Set the apples on the lined baking sheet to set, making sure the apples are not touching.

6. Let chill in fridge for about 2 hours. Eat within 2 days.