by Amelia Schaffer

Created on: January 29, 2011   Last Updated: January 30, 2011

Apple snacks and desserts are a great way to welcome the fall season. If you're tired of the usual old apple pie or apple crumble, check out how to make these gourmet apple treats instead!

* Gourmet Caramel Apples

We all know how to melt caramel candies to dip apples - but have you tried using your own, homemade caramel for delicious, gourmet caramel apples? Here's how to do it:

* Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light corn syrup
2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
8 medium Granny Smith apples
8 wooden craft sticks
chopped pecans
white chocolate chips 

1. Combine butter, corn syrup, sugar, and condensed milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring it to a boil.

2. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, until the caramel darkens, thickens, and reaches 245 to 250 degrees on a candy thermometer. (If you don't have a candy thermometer, drop a small piece of caramel into a bowl of cold water. When it's ready, it will form a firm ball.) Don't stir the caramel a lot while it's cooking, or it will crystallize.

3. Take the caramel off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Insert a craft stick into the stem end of each apple, then dip it into the caramel. To coat the apple well, dip it in at an angle and rotate it, then lift it out and turn it upside down to help the caramel coat the whole apple evenly.

8. Dip the apples in chopped pecans, then set them on waxed paper to dry.

9. Melt some white chocolate chips in the microwave. Drizzle them over the caramel apples.

* Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Caramel and apples are a classic combination for pies. Try upgrading them in this gourmet apple cheesecake.

* Ingredients

Crust:

1 1/4 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter

Caramel:

1/2 cup sugar
1 cup cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Filling:

2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
24 oz. cream cheese
3 large eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. apple brandy 

1. Combine the gingersnap cookie crumbs, pecans, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Slowly melt 1/2 cup sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir until the caramel reaches a deep, reddish-brown color. Remove from heat and stir in cream and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract.

3. Sautee the apples in the butter until soft. Stir in the brown sugar.

4. Whip the cream cheese and condensed milk. Slowly add the eggs. Stir in the apples, cinnamon, and apple brandy.

5. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then chill before removing from the pan. Top cheesecake with caramel sauce.

Sources:

All Recipes: Gourmet Caramel Apples
Divine Dinner Party: Halloween Caramel Apple Recipe
TLC: Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap-Pecan Crust
The Global Gourmet: Caramel Sauces
About.com Gourmet Food: Apple and Maple Caramel Cheesecake 

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