Caramel apples: great for fall entertaining

Classic caramel apples are wonderful for fall entertaining.  They're easy to make and a real crowd-pleaser.

While you can make your own caramel, it's so much easier to just melt down a package of the little individually-wrapped squares.  Here's how:

• 6 apples (I like tart granny smith apples, and they shouldn't be too big)
• Craft sticks (or chopsticks)
• 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons milk, cream, or half-and-half

Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated.

Then roll them in any of the following toppings, all finely chopped:

• pistachios or other nuts
• pretzels
• peppermints
• dried fruit like cranberries
• dark and white mini chocolate chips
• Toffee
• peanut brittle
• peanut butter cups
• candies, such as M&M's or candy corn
• mini marshmallows
• red cinnamon candies

You can also drizzle with melted white and dark chocolate.

Place on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet until completely cool and set up. 

You can either make these a day ahead and display them at your tailgate or watch party on a pretty platter, or let your guests make their own as a fun activity.