Fall

With the crisp weather there are just some food that are comforting and bring warm thoughts. Here we are in apple season and where most people bake apple pies, drink apple cider I have a sudden urge for candy apples. Memories of innocent childhood experiences include eat sugar coated fruit in it's many variations (candy, caramel, chocolate and all with various toppings).

So this week I had my hand a making candy apples: plain, topped with coconut and topped with hazelnuts. It's a quick yet sticky process, the key is temperature and this is where a candy thermometer is my new best friend.
A good tip to know when making candy apples your best bet are to buy apples at a farmers market or take a trip apple picking (apples in the supermarket are coated with wax making it all the harder for candy to stick).

Originally thinking to make the syrup from scratch the lack of popsicle sticks sold alone I bought a candy apple making kit which just requires the addition of sugar and water. An enjoyable activity for children as well as the young at heart.

The best part of candy apples is the eating of course, even though these days my teeth suddenly hurt. Maybe next I'll try some chocolate covered apples like the many we see in gourmet and specialty stores.

Quote of the week: "Forget love, I'd rather fall in chocolate."