Trick to caramel apples? Treats

Introduce some traditional Halloween fun into the annual candy haul.

Or, use up some of the candy bars the little ghouls and goblins bring home with this idea from “Taste of Home” magazine. Editors suggest drizzling caramel apples with chocolate and crushed candy for a holiday treat. (Hey, at least there’s a nutritious apple in the center of this treat.)

To make them, microwave two 14-ounce bags of caramels in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute on high. Stir and then heat another 30 to 45 seconds, until melted. Insert a craft stick into 8 tart apples and dip apples into the melted caramel. Place on a sheet pan lined with a greased sheet of waxed paper.

Melt chocolate or chocolate chips and drizzle dipped apples. To melt chocolate chips in the microwave, place 1 bag of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons shortening. Microwave on high for 1 minute, and then stir. Add 15 second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted.

Once you have drizzled the apples, sprinkle with crushed or finely chopped candy bars, such as toffee bars or Butterfinger. Place apples in the refrigerator until set.

Sound like too much work?

“Real Simple” magazine has an easier suggestion: Melt one 14-ounce bag of caramels with two tablespoons water, stirring until the mixture is smooth.

Serve it in individual bowls with apple wedges for dipping.

If that all sounds like too much sugar for yourself or your family after a night of parties and trick or treating, consider baked apples instead.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Choose four tart apples and core them. Put them in a baking dish. Combine 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup raisins, cranberries or other dried fruit, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 cup brown sugar.

Spoon a quarter of the mixture into each apple and bake for 40 minutes or until apples are tender.