amazing caramel apples

i'm obsessed with caramel apples...obsessed.  and since i got some really beautiful granny smith apples via farm fresh to you, i decided to make some yummy caramel apples!  this recipe is soooooooo easy to make...and the apples are fun to decorate for halloween or to share with friends and family during the holidays.  please enjoy!

ingredients:

- 4 apples (i like to use granny smith apples)

- 14 ounce bag of caramel, unwrapped

- 2 tablespoons vanilla ice cream (or 2 tablespoons of milk)

- 4 wooden sticks (i like to use chopsticks hahaha!)

- toppings...chocolate shavings, pecans, almonds, tj's sugar chocolate coffee bean grinder (which i LOVE!)

directions:

- in a large bowl, microwave the unwrapped caramel pieces and vanilla ice cream for 2 minutes

- meanwhile, either butter a baking sheet or dust it with a coat of sugar 

- remove the stems from the apples and push the wooden sticks through the top until secure

- once the caramel is melted, mix carefully

- coat one apple at a time with generous amounts of caramel; set on prepared baking sheet

- add toppings by either rolling or patting down...enjoy!

xoxo,

kara

real strawberry cupcakes (sprinkles style!)

for rob's birthday, i decided to make some strawberry cupcakes, since it's his favorite :)  inspired by martha's recipe, here is my strawberry cupcake recipe for you to try at home...your cupcakes will be as tasty, if not better than sprinkles!  enjoy!

cupcake ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

- 1/2 cup cake flour

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed

- 1/4 cup whole milk

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup light brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 2 large egg whites

strawberry frosting ingredients:

- 1/4 cup whole frozen strawberries, thawed

- 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly cold

- pinch of coarse salt

- 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

cupcake directions:

- preheat oven to 350 degrees

- line a 12-cup muffin tin or use foiled cupcake liners on a cookie sheet

- in a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt

- puree thawed frozen strawberries with a food processor or a hand-held blender

- in a separate bowl, mix 1/3 cup of strawberry puree, milk and vanilla together

- using the paddle attachment on an electric mixer, cream butter on med-high speed until light and fluffy

- add sugar and mix until light and fluffy

- reduce speed and add egg and egg whites one at a time

- at the lowest speed, add half the flour mixture, followed by the strawberry mixture, then the rest of the flour mixture, making sure the mixture is just blended between each step

- pour the batter into cupcake liners

- bake for about 15 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean; cool completely on a wire rack before icing!

strawberry frosting directions:

- puree thawed frozen strawberries with a food processor or a hand-held blender

- using the paddle attachment on an electric mixer, cream butter and salt together on medium speed until light and fluffy

- lower speed to low and add sugar; mix until well combined

- add vanilla and 3 tablespoons of strawberry puree and mix until blended

- make sure the frosting is creamy and thick and not over-blended. decorate your cupcakes and enjoy!

xoxo,

kara