Easy Caramel Apples

I sort of feel like a fraud posting this as a "recipe." Especially when I haven't updated anything for almost an entire year. Especially when I hardly cook (or bake!) anymore. But then I thought, I have to post. Because it's September, and today people in Boston are wearing coats. People are ordering pumpkin spice coffees and drinking cider beers and slowly tank tops are being replaced with cozy sweaters. It's happening people. And I am not going to fight it.

Seriously, with fall comes a few or my favorite things. Pumpking patches, cool weather, football (just kidding), and most of all, apples.  Apple pie, apple strudel, apple coffee cake. And perhaps the king of them all? The oh-so-humble but ever popular caramel apple. Simple to make, a mess to eat, and reserved for a few short months as the leaves start turning and suddenly it's okay to use your oven again.

So caramel apples you get, people. Enjoy the easiest recipe ever.

Caramel Apples

6 apples of your choice (I used tart granny smiths)

14 oz bag of wrapped caramel candies

2 tbsp milk

Toppings (sprinkles, chocolate chips, peanuts)

6 popsicle sticks

1. Remove the stems of all the apples. Press your popsicle stick into the bottom and about halfway through. 

2. Place caramels and milk into a saucepan and heat on low until completely combined and smooth. Let cool for a minute or two, so caramel firms up.

3. Dip each apple into the caramel. If desired, wait a few minutes and then spread toppings along the bottom. Caramel may be very sticky and not at all firm yet, so be patient before adding toppings. 

4. Place in fridge to cool until caramel is set.