Wicked Candied Apples

These delightfully wicked candied apples will delight kids and adults alike!

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons edible activated charcoal*
• 6 to 8 firm tart apples
• cleaned (non toxic twigs) or popsicle sticks
• candy thermometer

MAKE AHEAD:If you decide to use twigs instead of popsicle sticks, make sure you're collecting from non-toxic trees. Birch, ash, apple, cottonwood, elm, pine, and poplar are all fine. Sharpen the end of the sticks with a knife and rinse well in a (very mild) bleach solution. Rinse with plain hot water and allow to dry. The twigs really do add a bit of theatre to this spooky treat!

1. Line a tray or cookie sheet with parchment and spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat (with a candy thermometer in place), add water, sugar, corn syrup, and charcoal. Bring to a boil and simmer until sugar reaches hard-crack stage, 300 degrees.
3. Insert a twig or popsicle stick into each apple. Bring your greased & lined tray close to the pot.
4. When your sugar mixture is at the hard-crack stage, quickly dip each apple to coat, and place on your prepared sheet tray to set.

*Note on activated charcoal: Since activated charcoal flushes out substances in the stomach and intestines, it can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs. Use with caution. You can sub the charcoal with a professional grade food dye.