Homemade Caramel Apples

Instructions

1. Line large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper. Remove stems from apples. To remove wax coating from apples, rinse apples with hot water; with clean kitchen towel, rub off wax. Push sticks into apples through stem end. In pie plate(s) or wide, shallow dish(es), place toppings of choice, if using.
2. To prepare Caramel: in heavy 4-quart saucepan, with candy thermometer attached, melt butter over low heat. Stir in sugar, condensed milk, corn syrup and salt. Cook over medium-low heat or very low boil 15 to 20 minutes or until candy thermometer reads 240° to 245°F (120°C) (about soft-ball stage), stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Continue stirring to cool caramel to about 200°F.
3. Dip up to stem and swirl each apple into caramel until evenly coated, allowing excess to drip into saucepan. Roll bottom and halfway up sides of apples in topping(s), if using, pressing lightly so topping(s) adhere(s). Place on prepared baking pan; let stand 10 minutes. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. To serve, allow apples to stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.