Ingredients:
6 Granny Smith apples (or any tart apple of your choice)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
Blue food coloring (gel works best for intense color)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Lollipop or wooden sticks
Ice water (for the frozen magic effect)
Directions:
1. Prepare Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly, then insert lollipop or wooden sticks into the stem end of each apple. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Make the Candy Coating: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
3. Add Blue Food Coloring: As the syrup reaches a light boil, add a few drops of blue food coloring. Continue boiling the mixture until it reaches 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage). If you want to add vanilla extract, do so at this point.
4. Coat the Apples: Remove the saucepan from the heat once the candy reaches the desired temperature. Quickly dip each apple into the blue syrup, tilting the pan and rotating the apple to ensure even coverage. Let any excess syrup drip off before placing the apple on the parchment paper.
5. Create the Frozen Magic Effect: To give the candy apples a “frozen magic” look, you can dip the bottom of each apple into a bowl of ice water for just a second. This will create tiny crackling effects on the candy coating, resembling frosted glass.
6. Let Them Cool: Allow the apples to cool and harden completely at room temperature before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 candy apples
