INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Fuji apples
• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ teaspoon rosemary extract (optional)
• 8 drops red food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE THE APPLES: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Take the Fuji apples and insert a skewer through the top of each apple. Push the skewer firmly until it is about halfway through the apple.
2. MAKE THE CANDY COATING: In a deep saucepan over high heat, combine the water, corn syrup, and sugar. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Boil the candy mixture until it reaches 300 ° F, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. ADD FLAVOR AND COLOR: Stir in the rosemary extract (if you’re using it) and add 8 drops of red food coloring to the candy mixture. Tilt the pot to the side, and roll the prepared apples in the candy mixture until they are fully coated.
4. COOL AND HARDEN: Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet. Let the apples cool and the candy coating harden. Once the coating is firm, the candy apples are ready to enjoy!

Here are some variations of the candy apple recipe:

1. Caramel Pecan Candy Apples: After coating the apples in the candy mixture, roll them in chopped toasted pecans before they cool and harden.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Candy Apples: Once the candy coating has cooled and hardened, drizzle or dip the apples in melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for a decadent twist.
3. Sprinkle-Coated Candy Apples: Instead of a plain candy coating, roll the apples in colorful sprinkles, crushed cookies, or crushed candies before they cool to create a fun and festive look.
4. Salted Caramel Candy Apples: Add a pinch of sea salt to the candy mixture for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
5. Maple Cinnamon Candy Apples: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of maple extract and a pinch of ground cinnamon to the candy mixture.
6. Citrus Zest Candy Apples: Infuse the candy coating with citrus flavor by adding the zest of an orange, lemon, or lime to the candy mixture.
7. Flavored Candy Apples: Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or cherry, to add unique flavors to the candy coating.
8. Colored Candy Apples: Try different food coloring shades for a vibrant and eye-catching array of candy apples.
9. Mixed Nut Candy Apples: Roll the coated apples in a mixture of chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios) for added crunch and flavor.
10. Coconut Delight Candy Apples: Roll the coated apples in shredded coconut before they cool to give them a tropical twist.
11. Peanut Butter Candy Apples: Before coating with the candy mixture, spread a thin layer of smooth or crunchy peanut butter on the apples. Then, dip the peanut butter-coated apples in the candy mixture.
12. Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples: After the candy coating has cooled and hardened, roll the apples in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for a delightful spiced coating.
13. Tropical Twist Candy Apples: After the candy coating has set, drizzle the apples with a bit of melted white chocolate and sprinkle with finely chopped dried tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya.