Instructions:
- Prepare Apples:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples to ensure the candy coating sticks properly.
- Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
- Place the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the Candy Coating:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Stir over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Let it cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Color:
- Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from the heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
- Quickly add a few drops of food coloring and stir to mix the color evenly throughout the candy mixture.
- Coat the Apples:
- Working quickly (before the candy mixture hardens), dip each apple into the hot candy mixture.
- Tilt the saucepan to coat the apple completely, then rotate the apple as you lift it out of the mixture to allow excess candy to drip off.
- Place the coated apples on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cool the Apples:
- Allow the candy-coated apples to cool completely at room temperature until the candy hardens.