Caramel Apples

Directions

1. 1
   Wash and dry apples; remove stems. Insert craft sticks into stem end of each apple; set aside.
2. 2
   Combine caramels, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon water in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave on HIGH 90 seconds or until melted, stirring twice.
3. 3
   Dip each apple into the caramel mixture quickly, allowing excess caramel to drip off. Roll in chopped pecans; place on lightly greased wax paper. Chill at least 15 minutes.
4. 4
   Microwave chocolate morsels at HIGH 90 seconds or until melted, stirring twice; cool 5 minutes. Pour chocolate where craft sticks and apple meet, allowing chocolate to drip down sides of apples. Press pecan halves onto chocolate, if desired. Chill 15 minutes or until set.
5. 5
   NOTE: For testing purposes only, we used Kraft Caramels.
6. 6
   Calypso Caramel Apples: Substitute 1 cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts and 1 cup toasted coconut for pecans.
7. 7
   Georgian Caramel Apples: Substitute 2 cups chopped toasted peanuts for pecans.
8. 8
   Black-and-White Caramel Apples: Microwave 6 ounces white chocolate morsels at HIGH 60 seconds or until melted, stirring once; drizzle evenly over semisweet chocolate.