Gourmet Caramel Apples, the easy way!

0 1. Wash apples and dry them well before dipping. Press a dipping stick into each apple.  2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.3. In a large microwave safe bowl (I use glass), melt the butter.Add white and brown sugars, karo syrup, condensed milk, and salt. Stir well to combine.4. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for exactly 6 minutes, 30 seconds. Do not stir the caramel while cooking, just leave it in the microwave the entire time. Be sure to use a tall, microwave safe bowl since the caramel will boil up). Once the timer goes off, very carefully remove the bowl (the caramel and bowl will be super hot) and place onto a hot pad on your counter.  5. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and stir to combine. Make sure you're not using vanilla from the bottom of the bottle or it can crystallize into little specks in your caramel. This happened to me twice before I figured it out!6. Dip apples into hot caramel and then slowly turn the apple to fully coat it. Allow the excess to drip off and you can even use a butter knife to scrape the extra dripping off the bottom. Rock the stick up and down in the air for about 15 seconds before you place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. This will allow the caramel to start to evenly set before you place it on the sheet. 7. If you're dipping your apples in chopped nuts or candy, be sure to do this quickly, before the caramel starts to set. 8. If you're decorating with white or milk chocolate, or white chocolate with cinnamon and sugar, you can wait until caramel is all set before adding these toppings.9. Once the apples are dipped and decorated, I like to place mine on a square of parchment sheet or parchment cupcake liner, and wrap in cellophane to make them extra pretty. The apples are fine to sit out on the counter if you're making them a day ahead. 10. I can usually get 5-6 apples dipped with each batch. If you're wanting to make more apples or if you are hosting an apple dipping party, I would suggest making 3 separate batches and adding each to a small crockpot on warm. Stir occasionally. This has worked great for me!I would love to know if you try this recipe, please tag or message me @handmade.farmhouse on Instagram!