Ingredients:
6 medium apples (Pink Lady or Granny Smith)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup water
1/2 tsp pink gel food coloring
1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
Ice cubes for cooling
Directions:
1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert a lollipop stick or skewer into the top of each apple.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
3. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring the tip is in the liquid but not touching the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring.
4. Continue boiling until the syrup reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage), about 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the pink gel food coloring and vanilla extract.
6. Carefully dip each apple into the hot syrup, swirling to coat it evenly. Allow excess syrup to drip off.
7. Set the apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 candy apples
