Chocolate-covered Caramel Apples

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Source : The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel

Ingredients

 * 3 (14 oz) pkg. caramels
 * 2 tbsp water
 * 6 – 8 large Granny Smith apples, washed and dried
 * 6 – 8 heavy wooden skewers or sticks
 * melted chocolate and/or white chocolate (amount depends on how much chocolate you want on each apple - some recommend 3 oz per apple)
 * wax paper
 * cookie sheet

Optional toppings

 * chopped nuts (peanuts are ok)
 * toasted coconut
 * candy sprinkles
 * cookie crumbs
 * chopped candy bars, etc.

Directions

 * 1) Place the topping ingredients in individual bowls.
 * 2) Line the cookie sheet with buttered wax paper, and set aside.
 * 3) Insert a stick through each of the apple stems. (two sticks may be needed if you are going to use a lot of toppings)
 * 4) Set aside.
 * 5) In a saucepan, combine the caramels and water, and heat over medium heat - stirring constantly - until the caramels melt.
 * 6) Cool slightly. (a crock pot may be used to melt the caramels and water mixture).
 * 7) Dip each apple into the caramel mixture, and make sure it is thoroughly coated. (a spoon may be needed to coat the top of the apples with the caramel mixture).
 * 8) Allow each coated apple to sit a bit on the buttered wax paper, then dip each apple into the caramel mixture for a second coating.
 * 9) If you want to use an optional topping, while this second caramel coat is still liquid, roll the apples into the desired optional toppings.
 * 10) Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave, and dip the bottom of each apple into the melted chocolate.
 * 11) Then use a spoon to drizzle chocolate over the top of the apples.
 * 12) Allow the chocolate to set, then wrap individually in cellophane.
 * 13) Store in the refrigerator, and allow to be at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing to prevent the coating from cracking.