Tips for Perfect Homemade Caramel Apples

If you've never made a caramel apple recipe, or have had a recipe or two come out disastrous (it definitely happens), don't despair. When you get it right, making caramel apples is easy as could be. If you want to know how to make caramel apples perfect every time you make them, follow these tips:

1. If this is your first time, use packaged caramels-- it's easier to get the texture right. Especially if you don't have much experience candy making.

2. Be sure your apples are washed and VERY dry before dipping.

3. Choose smaller apples to make caramel go further-- after all, it's hard to finish a whole one, anyway.

4. Use cold apples for dipping to keep the caramel from sliding off.

5. If in doubt, decorate your apples. If they're coated in nuts, chocolate, etc., they won't stick together and can be packaged individually.

6. If using store-bought apples, the wax applied to them may keep the caramel from sticking. Scrub apples clean with baking soda, or dip briefly in boiling water to remove the wax.

7. When decorating with larger items, don't make them too big, as big items tend to be too heavy for the caramel to hold them.