Caramel Apple Party 2011

I'm finally getting around to writing up a post about the 2nd Annual Caramel Apple Party from last month. I had a really fun time and think most everyone did too! We kicked it off with some taco soup (courtesy of Lovebug -- he did a great job! It was delicious!) and a fun Mexican "Jack-O'Lantern" Dip (courtesy of the lovely Tara -- it was also wonderful!)


I whipped up this Ghoulish Punch and was quite happy with the results. The one comment Lovebug made, that I suppose I agree with, is that we should have used seltzer (like the recipe called for) instead of Sprite. It was a bit overly sweet and the seltzer would have helped. Regardless, it was still good enough that I saved the recipe in my notebook to make again!


I will toss in a picture here of the red velvet cake balls/pops I made. I ended up with nearly 70! And I displayed them on my new candy corn platter that I scored from Target for $2.50! I thought the cake balls could be a nice alternative for those who didn't want caramel apples. They were well-liked, but I think next time I'd like to put more effort into making them a bit more festive and fun. I mean, they were Red Velvet! Think of the possibilites!


After we ate, we played a rousing game of Battle of the Sexes. It always gets the blood flowing and pits man against woman -- but we still managed to enjoy ourselves! Then we dove into the reason we all came: Caramel Apple Time!

We scrubbed those apples vigorously with water and a dish towel. But the kraft caramels still slid off :o( The homemade caramel I made, on the other hand, did stick much better! I just didn't like the taste of it quite as well -- it was very sugary and sweet. Not that that's a big problem, but when I make caramel next time, I will keep looking for a recipe because I haven't found my go-to recipe yet. It also tells me, though, that making the caramel will make a difference in the way it works on the apples. Every year we learn something new!

Now check out some of the *fruits* of our labor :o)




We ended up having some great topping choices: mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, and reese's pieces!


I think this one deserved an award for Most Professional Looking!


All in all, it was a very fun night spent with friends, making wonderful memories! Next year it may be QUITE different with at least 3 more little ones running around (eek!) but I think we can still make it happen! It is a tradition that I will continue to celebrate!

To life... full of sweet, sticky, sugary caramel apples!