Things have been a little slow here on the blog, please forgive me. I have a few different reasons for that, one of which is we've been on vacation in Michigan for a week, visiting family! In a few days, I'll have a post for you about our Michigan adventures, but first I wanted to share with you a recipe I used before we left on this trip.
My next door neighbor (yep, the one with the seven kids that I've mentioned a few other times, Hi Amy!) planned a caramel apple dipping party for the seminary students townhome community, and asked if I could help. The seminary moms and their kids all gathered in front of our unit for some caramel apple dipping fun.
It was a bit hectic with that many kids (did I ever mention that besides us, basically every family has at least four children?). So, we had 30+ kids running around. But, they loved their caramel apples and loved showing them off!
We set up three Crock-Pots, each with three bags of caramel candies melted in them. We also provided the sticks (thanks, Renee!), but each family brought their own apples. Some even brought apple slices for a better sized portion for their wee little kids. There were also a few different candy toppings, such as M&M's, mini chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
This went off pretty much without a hitch. One change I would make is having another table, or a bigger one, so we could lay out baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper, so that the kids could place their apples on the table and let them cool. We did provide wax paper sheets for each kid, but it was a bit hot even through the paper for them to handle individually.
I can't leave out that I set up my Keurig for the moms to enjoy some of the hot apple cider I received from Green Mountain Coffee. Unfortunately, in Mississippi the weather outside was in the 80's, so not many of us were in the mood for a hot drink. I can't wait for winter when I'll really be enjoying it with some cooler weather!
Here's the easy peasy recipe for the caramel apples:
Recipe Card
Crock-Pot Caramel Apples
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package caramels
- Splash of water
- Pinch of sea salt
- 4 apples
- 4 large craft/popsicle sticks
- Candy toppings separated into shallow bowls , such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, M&M's, etc.
Instructions
- Unwrap the caramels and place in Crock-Pot. Add a splash of water and salt then toss to combine. Cover and heat on high for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring frequently until caramel is melted.
- Once caramel is melted, reduce the Crock-Pot temperature to warm. Insert a stick into the stem side of each apple. Carefully dip one apple into the caramel, then quickly dip and roll into choice of toppings. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper, and repeat with the other three apples.
Anne says
How funny, I was just looking for a caramel apple recipe, clicked on this one and recognized the seminary housing. My husband graduated from RTS in 2008!
Nikki Gladd says
How funny, Anne! I'm sorry we missed each other. We moved here in 2012 🙂
Anonymous says
Trying this right now!
Katie says
Ah! So helpful! I'm doing a caramel apple bar for a party I'm throwing and these are just the tips I needed! Yay! Thank you!!!!!
Nicole, RD says
These look so good! And so cute in the hand of J!!! 🙂
Joanne @ Inspired Taste says
What a great idea. Love that you make the caramel in the slow cooker!
Kelsey says
What a fun idea, Nikki! It looks like y'all have a really wonderful little community down there.
amber says
Judah!! I loved seeing his little face again. 🙂
That looks like a BLAST (and very hectic). I love how simple it is with the caramel in the crock pot and the toppings in bowls. I would love to try this with our neighborhood kids. Thanks for the details!!
Sheila says
What a great idea! Love this for a kids fall birthday party! Was great meeting you while you were in Mi, hope you had a great time. Definitely let me know when you come back again, it would be fun to get together!
Jill says
Hi Nikki, Happy Friday. Your son is such a cutie pie!
Nikki says
Hi Jill! Thank you!! 🙂
Jamie @ Thrifty Veggie Mama says
What a great idea! That sounds like such a fun party.
Kari says
These photos are just too cute!!
Rachel Cooks says
What a fun idea! Love the photos.
Lesa @Edesia's Notebook says
What a fun idea! Looks like all the kiddos really enjoyed themselves!
Bekah says
Thank you SOOO much for posting this! What a GREAT idea! I've been looking for one last idea to round out my soon-to-be 4 year old's fall themed birthday party and this is perfect!!