Halloween Candy Apples

Directions

1. Rinse the apples and branches under cold water, then pat them completely dry with a clean towel. Set aside.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper with butter. Set aside.
3. Using a metal straw, poke a hole straight down through the top of each apple, about halfway into the fruit. Insert a natural branch into each hole to form a handle. Repeat for all 6 apples and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and black gel food coloring. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, do not stir. Instead, dip a pastry brush in water and use it to wash down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan.
6. Continue cooking without stirring until the syrup reaches 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer. Carefully remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot syrup, turning to coat evenly. Lift and allow excess to drip off, then place the apple on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all apples.
8. Let the apples sit until the coating has hardened completely. They are now ready to serve and enjoy!