Lately I’ve had Fall parties on the brain and I’m itching to throw a celebration in this theme. If and when I do, I’ll certainly be making some fall themed treats featuring some of my favorite items of the season. Speaking of favorite seasonal items, one of mine is the apple. My mother in law just happens to have 3 apple trees at her house so recently, the girls, my hubby and I took a trip out to her place to stock up. We ended up with enough to make a double batch of crisp, and still had plenty leftover to spare.

As you can see the apples are fairly small (4-5 inches in size). I’m not quite sure of their name, but their crisp and tartness makes them perfect for baking and ideal for bite-sized desserts. Many ideas for the leftover apples came to mind, but I settled on a treat that would test out my candy making skills. The treat that I’m speaking of, is the candied apple, but this time I’ve added a grown up twist!

The twist is in the form of spiced rum, because I love the way apples and rum pair together. If you have a gathering to attend this fall, try making these! Their size makes them easy for party guests to enjoy, and they can be easily dressed up in a way that will fit the color scheme of your celebration. I tried this concept out with paper straws (visit my Etsy shop to see all the colors available) and a little bit of bakers twine for the posh factor.

Cocktail or Halloween Party anyone?!

Spiked Candied Apples (V)

The spiced rum candied sugar shell adds an unexpected kick to this fall party favorite and pairs perfectly with the tartness of the homegrown apples. There is also no dairy or soy ingredients in this recipe so it’s also vegan friendly.

Ingredients/Supplies

1 sheet parchment paper

Candy thermometer

striped paper straws, popsicle sticks, sucker sticks, or skewers (12)

12 very small tart apples

2 cups raw turbinado sugar

1 cup corn syrup

1/4 cup spiced rum

1/4 cup boiling water

4/5 drops red food coloring

Red sugar sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Wash and pat dry apples.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Begin the process of coring the apples. If you’ll be using the paper straws, gently remove the apple stem and twist the straw into the center of the apple (at the stem) applying pressure until the straw is firmly in place. You can then cut the straw in half and use it to core your next apple. Repeat these steps until all apples are cored.

If you’re using another device to core your apples, just repeat the same steps as above. Set apples aside.

In a pot, combine sugar, corn syrup, spiced rum and boiling water.

Mix ingredients together and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Be sure not to leave your sugar mixture unattended for long as it can easily burn. It should be watched with a close eye. Once it reaches the temperature of 250 degrees, turn it down to low temperature heat and add food coloring. Stir to blend.

Once the color is blended, your apples are ready for dipping! Tilt the pot on an angle and begin dipping each apple until it’s fully submerged in an even layer of the spiked candy.

Gently turn the dipped apple to remove any excess coating, dip in sugar crystals and place on parchment paper.

Repeat these steps for each apple, then set aside to harden.

They will harden quickly, but be sure they’ve cooled before serving.

They can be stored in the fridge, to chill quicker, but should be eaten within 24 hours.

Display on a decorative tray or dessert table and they’re ready to enjoy.

Candied Apple Recipe Source: About.com

Cheers to Fall!!

posh little tip ~ Would you like to serve these for your child’s party instead? Simply omit the alcohol, and use a full 1/2 cup of boiling water for a fun kid friendly treat!

What’s your favorite fall fruit or recipe to make?

Looking for more fall party treats to try? Check out the mini apple crisp I made last season.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks for reading.

xo

This concept is a Posh Little Designs original with the exception of the candy apple recipe as referenced above. All images are photographed and owned property of Posh Little Designs. All Rights Reserved 2013