PAULA DEEN'S WACKY TAFFY APPLES

Craft sticks
12 apples
2 cups sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chopped nuts (optional)

Insert craft sticks into stem of apples; set aside.

Mix the remaining ingredients, except the vanilla and nuts, in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, to 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and let cook until mixture thickens.

Stir in vanilla. Quickly dip apples in the mixture and twist until apples are evenly coated. Place on waxed paper to drain and firm up.

If desired, roll candy apples in chopped nuts.

Makes 12 apples