Peanut Butter Trail Mix Caramel Apples Recipes

Steps:

• Cut each apple in half and core the centers. Cut the top and bottom of each apple off at a slight inward angle so the apple halves stand upright. Cut away wedge-shaped slices from the centers using a paring knife to create a "mouth." Slice the wedges deep enough so a small hole is created in the center of each "V." Brush the exposed apple flesh with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Stick the sunflower seeds into the apple's flesh to create "teeth."
• Insert a mango slice into the hole in the center of each apple to create a tongue. Add small dots of frosting to the backs of the candy eyeballs to secure them just above the mouth.

Steps:

• Mix the wet: In a bowl, stir together the apples, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, allspice and nutmeg. Set aside.
• Mix the dry: In a large bowl, add flour and a pinch of salt.
• Pull it together: Make a well in the center of the bowl of the dry ingredients and whisk in the beer until combined. It should be slightly thicker than pancake batter. Gently fold in the apple mixture and let it rest 10 minutes at room temperature.
• Fry the fritters: In a large pot, bring oil temperature to 360 degrees F, so when adding the fritters, the temperature rests at 350 degrees F. Once the oil is ready, using a small ice cream scoop or large tablespoon, gently drop the dough into the oil in batches. Fry until golden brown on both sides, flipping once, about 4 minutes total. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate. Serve with Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce.
• Melt the sugar: In a saute pan over medium heat, add the brown sugar and allow it to melt while whisking.
• Melt the butter: Once melted, add the butter and continuously whisk while melting until everything is smooth.
• Add the cream: Turn off the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking until smooth. (Don't get hit with the splatter!)
• Add the peanut butter: Add the peanut butter and turn the heat back on to low to help it melt into the caramel sauce while whisking for just under a minute. Remove from the heat, serve warm.

Steps:

• Line cookie sheet with waxed paper; spray waxed paper with cooking spray. Wash and dry apples; remove stem and blossom ends. Insert craft stick into stem end of each apple.
• In 2-quart saucepan, mix sugar, water and 1/4 cup of the corn syrup. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Cook about 8 minutes, without stirring, to 300°F on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into cup of very cold water separates into hard, brittle threads. (Watch carefully so mixture does not burn.) Immediately remove from heat.
• Working quickly, dip each apple in sugar mixture. Place on cookie sheet; let stand 4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in top of double boiler, mix remaining 3/4 cup corn syrup, the peanut butter and shortening. Cook over simmering water about 4 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth. Dip coated apples almost completely in peanut butter mixture; roll apples in chopped peanuts, using hands to help adhere if necessary. Return to cookie sheet; refrigerate 15 minutes or until set. Store covered at room temperature.