Shiny Red Candy Apples

Ingredients

• 4 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1/4 cup red cinnamon candies
• 10 popsicle sticks
• 10 Granny Smith apples
• Ice water

Preparation

1. Combine sugar, butter, vinegar, boiling water and food coloring in a large heavy metal saucepan.
2. Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high; boil without stirring about 10 minutes, until mixture reaches the hard-crack stage, or 290° to 310° on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat; stir in cinnamon candies and let stand until bubbles subside.
3. Insert sticks into apples. Dip apples into mixture; swirl to coat and dip into ice water to harden candy coating. Place on a lightly buttered baking pan until set. Store in a cool, dry place.
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