by Amanda Green
APPLE PICKING SEASON
Apple picking season is coming up and it is my personal favorite time of the year. I love taking my kids and making a day out of it at the local farm. There is nothing more delightful than a freshly picked apple in the early fall. It’s a great family experience of doing something together. It also gets the kids off their phones—at least for a few minutes!
I always get at least one or two bushels full to take back home and distribute to my extended family. That is around 125 apples per bushel. That is a lot of apples! I was thinking of all the things I could do like make an apple pie, apple strudel and so much more.
CARAMEL SYRUP EQUALS YUM!
There is nothing better than caramel syrup drizzled over a vanilla ice cream sundae or dipping your fresh-picked apples in caramel syrup. Yum! Keep in mind that you need a sauce that will not be too thick or too thin but just right to have that perfect bite every time.
CARAMEL CANDIED APPLES
This year I thought I would do something even more special. I know that the kids just love candy apples. I have to admit, I like candied apples as well. It is like a healthy sweet snack. I don’t feel so bad giving my kids some as at least it gets them to eat apples.
I was looking online and was looking for some new recipes. I came across some interesting ideas. Why not try caramel-coated apples this year? I have always loved caramel as a kid myself. The rich buttery smooth texture and sweet taste of caramel is so decadent along with the coolness of the apple. Fall is just not complete without
MY CARAMEL CHOICE
There are so many desserts and drinks that you can make with the added touch of some yummy caramel. Who is in the mood for some Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate?
I know I am. I can just see myself on a chilly autumn evening sitting outside the porch wrapped in a cozy blanket, cuddling with my dog Sal, and sipping on a cup of caramel hot chocolate as the leaves start falling. I think I just found my happy place! You can too. There are so many wonderful things you can do with caramel syrup.
CRÈME CARAMEL MILK
This past summer, my family and I went for an ice cream run. My youngest got a chocolate double-dipped cone with sprinkles. I got myself a sundae with caramel drizzled on top of it sprinkled with a bit of nuts. It was heaven on earth.
CARAMEL CANDY HISTORY
Caramel is also like a toffee candy known as “Caramel Candy.” Caramel goes back to in and around the 1600s when America settlers were making hard candies in these copper kettles. Approaching the late 1800s, a candy maker came up with the idea to add milk, fat protein, sugar, and water which began the evolution of delectable dessert candy. The ideas for caramel candy have only continued to blossom through the ages.
There are also many varieties of caramel such as:
- Caramel sauce
- Maple caramel custard
- Caramelized almonds
- Praline
- Crème Brule
In fact, the list is endless with so many different textures and variations form hard candy to chewable. Caramel has become a staple at every state fair. You will find variety anywhere you go—even at the circus. Who doesn’t like to have caramel popcorn while watching a three-ring circus act? Just don’t feed the elephants.
The ingredients are timeless and very simple to this day:
CARAMEL COMBINATION INGREDIENTS
- Boiling milk
- Cream
- Sugar
- Vanilla bean extract
This includes caramel sauce, praline, maple caramel custard, Crème Brule, and caramelized almonds. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of flavors, textures, and chewy variations available. The options and flavor combinations are endless.
Check out more fascinating recipes found in the New York Times and find your happy place with caramel syrup. The possibilities are endless. Remember have fun, be creative and, most of all, enjoy!
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