FIRST YOU TAKE THE APPLE...

...AND YOU WASH IT, YOU WASH IT.

THEN YOU TAKE THE TOWEL AND YOU DRY IT, YOU DRY IT.

i use the small granny smith apples and rinse them and thoroughly dry them ahead of time.

NEXT YOU TAKE THE CARAMEL AND YOU STRETCH IT, YOU STRETCH IT.

NOW YOU TAKE APPLES AND YOU STICK IT, YOU STICK IT.

the packages of caramel apple wraps can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores.
i like this caramel apples for dummies approach versus trying to melt caramel candies.
they also include popsicle sticks which i stick into the top of the apples which act as handles in the next step.

NOW YOU TAKE THE CHOCOLATE AND YOU MELT IT, YOU MELT IT.

THEN YOU TAKE THE CHOCOLATE AND YOU STIR IT, YOU STIR IT.

i use the chocolate almond bark found in the baking aisle of our grocery store.

i follow the directions for melting it in the microwave in a liquid measuring cup so it is deep enough

to fully dip the apple into the chocolate (i do add tiny tiny bits of shortening as needed if it's too thick).

NOW YOU TAKE THE CARAMEL APPLE AND YOU DIP IT, YOU DIP IT.

THEN YOU TAKE THE SPRINKLES AND YOU DECORATE IT, YOU DECORATE IT.

i dip the entire apple in the chocolate and swirl it around over the measuring cup until most drips have stopped,
immediately sprinkle with decorations, chopped nuts, etc. and place apples on waxed paper to cool.

THEN YOU TAKE THE KNIFE AND YOU CUT IT, YOU CUT IT.

THEN YOU TAKE A BITE AND ENJOY IT, ENJOY IT.

you can cover the apples and place in the fridge for a few days if needed,

just remember to bring to room temperature again before attempting to cut into them.

*acknowledgements: steps of the process happened in my own kitchen but the photos of finished product

are of apples made in my sister-in-law's kitchen where all desserts come together looking extra fabulous.

also, she taught me all i know about making caramel apples and i'm forever indebted.