Bacon-Pretzel-Peanut Butter Caramel Apples

Push a wooden craft stick into the top of each apple. Bring sugar, corn syrup, and water to a boil in a medium, heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, without stirring, 9 minutes or until lightly golden (about 260°). Stir half-and-half, vanilla, and salt into caramel. Simmer until candy thermometer registers 235°, stirring frequently.

Combine cooked and crumbled bacon and crushed pretzels in a bowl.

Stir peanut butter into caramel; pour mixture into a bowl sitting in a hot water bath. Swirl bottom halves of apples in caramel; dip in pretzel mixture.