If you think candied apples are meant only to be enjoyed in the early fall and around Halloween, you are missing out on a treat that can take you through the rest of the year -- easily. What's more, with cooler weather keeping us inside a lot more, there's time to take on a multi-step project like this:
Yup, that's a triple-layered s'mores apple. A crunchy apple at the center gets a generous coating of ooey gooey marshmallow, followed by a dark chocolate shell that's dipped in finely crushed graham crackers. The result? A beautiful, messy treat that can be enjoyed by all. I'm particularly a fan of having them alongside other festive occasions, like a tree-trimming party. Just make sure you decorate before you lay into these beauties!
Now, my youngster is missing her two front teeth (pause for jokes about Christmas songs mentioning two front teeth), so I removed the stick from hers and sliced it into individual pieces and gave her a fork. You'd think that would mean no mess, but you'd be wrong! Leave it to a six-year-old to have chocolate up to her ears even after the challenge has been simplified. Enjoy the sweet, glorious, delicious mess! Trust me, it's worth it.
S'mores Apples
- 3 medium-sized crisp apples (I used some smoke house apples we picked this fall - honeycrisp apples also work beautifully)
- 3 popsicle sticks
- 1 c. mini-marshmallows or finely cut larger marshmallows (use a pair of kitchen shears lightly sprayed with cooking spray)
- 2 T. butter
- 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 T. canola oil
- 1/2 c. finely crushed graham crackers
Wash and dry the apples. Remove the stems and skewer a popsicle stick in each apple; set them aside. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or wax paper; set aside.
Place the butter in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until it melts. Add the marshmallows and stir until they are melted. Dip each apple into the melted marshmallows mixture and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator.
While the apples are chilling, melt the chocolate chips by putting them in a microwave-safe bowl and adding a tablespoon of oil. Cook for 40 seconds on full power; stir and continue to cook checking at 15-second intervals, stirring each time. Stop heating when most of the chips are melted. There should be a few chunks left; stir until smooth.
Place the finely crushed graham crackers in a bowl.
Remove the apples from the refrigerator and dip each apple into the melted chocolate, rotating to coat evenly. Dip the chocolate-covered apples into the ground graham crackers, and coat on all sides. Put the apples back on the lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
- Yields: 3 servings
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes