Ingredients:
4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
4 wooden sticks
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
Food coloring (red, blue, yellow)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
1. Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the apples, then insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple securely.
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil without stirring. Monitor the temperature, aiming for 300°F (hard crack stage) using a candy thermometer.
4. Once at the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from heat, and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and salt for flavor.
5. Divide the hot syrup evenly into three separate heatproof bowls, adding a distinct food coloring to each bowl, and mix until fully incorporated.
6. Carefully dip each apple into the first colored syrup completely, allowing the excess to drip off before setting it aside to cool slightly.
7. After the base layer has set, dip the apple halfway into the second color, creating a beautiful striped effect, and let it cool again.
8. For the final touch, immerse just the top quarter of each apple in the third color, and allow them to cool completely on the parchment paper.
9. Arrange the finished striped candy apples on parchment paper for them to harden fully before serving and enjoying.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 candy apples