Ingredients:
6 small apples
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp orange food coloring
1/2 tsp red food coloring
1/4 tsp yellow food coloring
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Wooden sticks
Directions:
1. Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the apples. Carefully insert a wooden stick into the stem end of each apple, ensuring it’s secure.
2. In a medium saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium-high, stirring the mixture occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
3. Once dissolved, increase the heat to high and monitor the mixture closely. Allow it to boil without stirring until it reaches a temperature of 300°F, which is the hard crack stage, on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and cautiously stir in the orange, red, and yellow food coloring to create a stunning gradient reminiscent of a sunset, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Dip each apple into the vibrant candy mixture, rotating them to ensure they are evenly coated. Allow any excess candy to drip back into the pot before placing the apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Leave the candy apples to cool completely at room temperature until the candy hardens and sets completely, making them ready for enjoyment.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 6 candy apples
