DOUBLE-DIPPED GOURMET CARAMEL APPLES

4 or 5 medium apples (Granny Smith work well or other sturdy and firm varieties)
Wooden sticks
2 pkg, (14 ounces each) caramels (96 pieces), divided

FIRST CARAMEL LAYER:
Wash and dry apples; insert stick into stem end of each apple.

Microwave 1 package of the caramels and 2 TBSP. of the water in a small deep microwave safe bowl on HIGH 2 1/2 tp 3 1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every minute. If caramel sauce id too thin, let stand about 2 minutes before dipping apples.

Dip apples into hot caramel sauce; turn until coated. Scrape excess sauce from bottom of apples. Place on greased wax paper. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.

SECOND CARAMEL LAYER:
After refrigerating, repeat microwave and dipping directions with remaining 14 oz. pkg. caramels and 2 TBSP. water.

For second caramel layer:
See decorating ideas below for warm caramel apples. Otherwise, refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. See decorating ideas below for chilled caramel apples

Store decorated apples in refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving to allow caramel to soften.

DECORATING IDEAS FOR WARM CARAMEL APPLES:
Roll in chopped pecans or nuts of your choice; drizzle with melted chocolate.

Decorate with non-pareil covered semi sweet chocolate chips; drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Roll in graham cracker pieces and miniature marshmallows; drizzle with melted chocolate.

Roll in macadamia nuts or premium mixed nuts; drizzle with melted white and semi-sweet chocolate.

Decorating ideas for chilled caramel apples:

Dip apple in melted chocolate, several times, waiting for chocolate to hardened a little between each dip. Use white or semi-sweet chocolate or marbleize.

Dip bottom of apple in melted chocolate; decorate with toasted coconut and slice almonds.

Decorate with melted white or semi-sweet chocolate and sprinkles.

Any of these apples can be decorated with anything you choose.... raisins, chopped malted milk balls, peanut butter chips, chopped potato chips or pretzels (don't laugh these are excellent).... the ideas are endless. I hope you enjoy. By the way they make wonderful gifts for teachers, family and friends!

Makes 4-5 medium apples or 2 large (3/4 to 1 lb each)
Adapted from: Associated Brands, Intl.