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Showing posts with label apples. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apples. Show all posts

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Rustic Caramel Apples for Fall with 2 Simple Ingredients


Fall means back to school, bake sales, pumpkins, state fairs, and, my favorite, caramel apples.  I made these rustic caramel apples with 2 basic ingredients...apples and sweetened condensed milk.  Of course, you can add chopped peanuts for a nice sweet and salty treat.


Did you know you can make caramel with just a can of sweetened condensed milk?  There are several methods.  I chose to do the double boiler method which is slow and does require your attention.  You can also use the crock pot method by placing the unopened can in a crockpot with water and cooking overnight.


Pour the entire 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk in a bowl and place over a pot of water on medium low heat.  It will take about 2 hours and requires you to stir occasionally.  Also, don't forget to check the water level in the pot.  Trust me, it boils down faster than you think.

If you're not happy with the consistency after the 2 hours, you can continue on the stove or you can heat it in the microwave for no longer than 30 seconds at a time, stirring between times.  Watch it during those 30 seconds as it could still boil over.  I go by taste so I was happy with the flavor after the 2 hours.


Mmmm!  Ready to dip some apples!  


I had just purchased a bushel of Gala apples and their crisp, tart flavor are perfect for dipping.



Chopped peanuts make caramel apples even better!


For a rustic look, use freshly cut branches from a fruit, maple, or oak tree.  I made sure to cut fresh, healthy branches, then rinsed them, and zapped them in the microwave for 30 seconds...just to be sure to kill any tiny critters.  The sticks will get very hot so handle carefully.



The caramel looks pretty light in the photo but it really is a caramel color and it's delicious!

If you try these, I recommend putting them on parchment paper and not wax paper.  Caramel will stick to wax paper and you'll be picking off bits of it instead of enjoying your caramel apple ;)


Here's one for you to Pin!  I really appreciate it!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie


Friday, September 12, 2014

Decorating for Fall with a French Bottle Rack


I love fall and I love decorating for fall.  I like to add a touch of red, gold, and orange all over the house.  


The (reproduction) french bottle drying rack that I purchased a couple of years ago is one of my favorite things to change with the seasons.  It sits on the corner of my kitchen island.  I really wish it was shorter so that it would fit underneath my cabinets beside the coffee maker, but it's not so it's home is on the island.

A pumpkin fit perfectly on the top (with the help of a small plate covered with leaves).  The next level also holds a couple of smaller pumpkins (again on a small plate covered with leaves).  Twist a couple of fall berry garlands around the sides and add a wreath around the bottom and you're set.




I hung my black and white monogram mugs on the rack.  Ready to grab when you need a cup of hot apple cider.


Of course, you're going to need a cinnamon stick in your hot apple cider.  Must have!




A couple of apples because they just look so right.  



Beautiful!  I'm ready for the cooler weather now.  Bring it on!  Watch over the next few weeks as our Fall Blog Tour continues.  September is definitely time for fall decorating, recipes, and crafts.

As always, thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie