Homemade Strawberry-Lemonade & Blue Raspberry Candy Apples

Homemade Strawberry-Lemonade & Blue Raspberry Candy Apples

Whether it's fall or the summertime we enjoy certain treats. These treats could be homemade or bought, we still are nostalgic in it's enjoyment. Candied apples are the most nostalgic for me. I can remember any carnival or amusement park always choosing a big candy apple. To this very day I still choose these big candy apples as my treat and still feel the same way I did back when I was little. The excitement of the purchase, the smell as you unwrap, and the first sticky and difficult bite trying to break threw the candy shell. Before you know it the apple is gone and you are pining for another one already. These apples are usually purchased premade from carnivals, fall events, or store bought. They come in many flavors, colors, and quality varies. I have got the occasional bad apple and I'm always disappointed when that happens.

This recipe shows you how to not only make but enjoy the process that is Candy Apple making. Candy apples can be fun and enjoyable while making and its enjoying because it's an art, you can make them with your favorite apples and any of your favorite flavors. These apples are a blue raspberry and strawberry lemonade, both flavors you can enjoy in warm and cold months. A great treat for adults and kids alike because it's one of those treats we grew up enjoying over and over again. But we have all gotten ones that aren't the best, but this recipe shows you how to make a perfect candy apple every time. Serve these at parties and event or just a special dessert on the weekend. Theme them with holidays or parties and enjoy year round.

Homemade Strawberry-Lemonade & Blue Raspberry Candy Apples

Yields:12 Candy Apples (each flavor)

Ingredients

Candy Apple Base

12 small organic green (granny smith) apples (12 each flavor)
3 cups organic raw sugar
1/2 cup organic light corn syrup
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vegan food coloring (each gets there own)

Strawberry Lemonade Apple

1/4 teaspoon strawberry oil flavoring

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract

1/2 teaspoon vegan red or pink food coloring

Blue Raspberry Apple

1 1/2 teaspoons raspberry extract

1/2 teaspoon vegan blue food coloring

Equipment Needed

Candy thermometer

24 Popsicle sticks (or thick lollipop/chopsticks can be done)

Directions

Wash and thoroughly dry the organic apples. 

*You want to use organic apples, because not only are wax on apples not vegan but the wax on the apples prevents the candy coating from adhering to the outside. Organic or fresh picked apples work best in the situation. 

For this recipe I use granny smith (green apples), you want to use a crispy thick skinned apple. The candy coating can blister other apples and make for a mushy outcome. Once washed and dried, insert the lollipop sticks or Popsicle sticks so that they are firmly positioned in the apples. Set the apples aside. Prepare your cookie sheet, by lining them with wax paper and liberally greasing them. You do not want the apples to stick to the sheet after coated.

Combine the sugar, corn syrup and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and cook the mixture until a candy thermometer reaches 300 Degrees F (the hard crack stage). 

*If you want to test your candy when it gets to this point, drop a couple a drops of the candy into a glass of cold water, you will instantly see the candy form into hard candy strings and it will be ready for dunking. 
When the candy reaches 300 degrees (this will take time), remove the candy mixture from the heat and carefully stir in the food coloring and extract (it may splash, so stand back). You may have to add more than the designated 1/2 teaspoon, depending on the quality and strength of your food coloring. I used a vegan gel food color.

One by one, carefully and quickly dip the apples into the candy mixture, swirling to coat them thoroughly and allowing any excess to drip back into the pan. Transfer the coated apples to the prepared cookie sheet and allow them to cool until the candy has fully hardened. Once the candy hardens, at least 30 minutes but up to 24 hours, remove from tray and wrap. Enjoy!






-Amy