DIY Gourmet Caramel Apples!

Nothing screams fall to me like a caramel apple! So grab some friends and some fresh apple cider and celebrate the season by making some DELICIOUS gourmet-looking caramel apples! The most amazing thing (besides the taste!) is that these are soon easy to do yourself! Happy Fall Ya'll!

Peter's Caramel

What you will need:
Peter's Caramel (link above)
Apples (Granny Smith is best but any kind will do)
Candy Melts, White or Chocolate, depending on toppings. More info below. (Michael's)
Caramel Apple Sticks (Michael's)
Treat Bags and Cups (optional, Michael's)
Ribbon (optional, Michael's or Dollar Tree)
Toppings of your choice, here are some fun ideas!

To roll in white candy melts:
Butterfingers Candy Bars
Cinnamon Sugar (1 cup sugar to 2 TBS Cinnamon, Tastes like Apple Pie!)
Oreos
Sweetened Shredded Coconut

To roll in chocolate candy melts:
Any kind of nut
Mini chocolate chips
Pretzels (my Fave!)
Any kind of candy bar
Mini M&M's
Mini Reese's Pieces
Peanut butter chips
Toffee Bits (Such as Heath found in baking section)

Directions:
1. Wash Apples and Dry thoroughly.
2. Push Sticks into apples (not all the way, but far enough to be secure) straight up and down.
3. Melt caramel in microwave safe container for 1 minute intervals stirring each time you take it out. until melted and like a thick sauce.
4.  Dip apples into caramel, about 1/2 inch from the stick rolling around to coat, reheating caramel if necessary for next apples. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until set (no more to prevent condensation).
5. Crush your toppings in a food processor or in a large zip lock bag with a mallet or can of food.
6. Melt Candy Melts in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second intervals, stirring between each one until melted and sauce like. Save a few for drizzling on top, melt in a small ziplock bag.
7. Dip Caramel coated apples into melted candy melts and roll around about 1/4 inch from beginning of caramel. Immediately dip into toppings, pat on bottom and roll sides. Repeat. Let set up in fridge until hardened. Once set you can pull them out and drizzle candy melts on top. going back and forth across all four sides of the caramel stick to make a checkered pattern. Let drizzle set and enjoy!