Silk Wrapped {Carmel} Apple Stems

Carmel apples are one of my very favorite sweets.  {And that's saying a lot because I pretty much love every sweet!}  I wanted to give these as gifts to the Gs teachers so I thought I would spruce them up a bit.  I wrapped away in some silk yarn, added some tassels and the end result was {in my opinion} awesome ~ how much do they remind you of truffula trees! 

Now carmel apples are not actually as easy as they look!  They are testy.  Here are a few things you can do ahead of time to make things go smoothly:

Go ahead and pick any type of apple.  I favor Organic Granny Smith because I like the tart & sweet combo.

1. Collect some interesting twigs or sticks

2. Widdle the end off your twigs using a knife {be sure to cut away from you!} 

3. Wash and dry your apples

4. Use a light grit sandpaper to get some of the wax off the apples {this will also help the carmel stick!} I know this sounds weird but trust me!

Next, the tedious task of unwrapping all of your carmels!  {I have to say my experiece with these wasn't great.  I ended up redoing these with home-made carmel and it made a world of difference!  Tune in tomorrow for them apples!}

Next: Dressing your stick!

You can even make little tassles to add:

Finally:

I used a double boiler to melt my carmels and added a little milk to make them creamy {one or two teaspoons is enough}. Once your carmel is melted, set it aside for a few minutes so that it is not too hot.  If the carmel is too hot it will run right off the apple!  Then go ahead and dip your apple into the carmel in a side to side motion.  I use a spoon to push the carmel over the top too.

After you let your apple cool and dry you can dip it in candy melts, chocolate and/or graham crackers!  Honestly, you can dip these little guys in anything!  I just liked the color and textures of the carmel, white chocolate, and graham!

Oh look at all that gooey goodness!  I hope you all enjoy making these as much as I did! Keep your eyes out for apples with stones tomorrow!

Many Blessings,

{G3QDesigns}

Perfect {Fall} Cookie

I can't believe it.  It's really the perfect fall cookie.  The look, the texture, the color and the TASTE!  
Introducing the cookie butter marshmallow thumbprint cookie. 

So, here's what you do.  Take the good 'ol fashioned peanut butter cookie reicipe from Hershey and substitute cookie butter for the peanut butter.  (I added an additional 1/4c of cookie butter because it seems a but thinner than peanut butter.)

Once you have your dough, roll it into 1" balls.

Dredge in sugar (I like to use the superfine sugar).

Place onto your baking sheet & bake until the cookies start to crack.

Now, because we are not pushing a Hershey Kiss into these beauties, I wanted to make a little "thumb print".  I used one of my measureing spoons so I wouldn't burn my finger off!

Next, place marshmallow fluff into a piping bag (or ziplock with the tip cut off).

Pipe marshmallow into cookie.

The Toppers:

I finished this cookie two ways.  One for those of us with a butane torche and one for those of us without.  

First, non-flamable topper:

If you are not inclined to use a butane torche, take a few Biscoff cookeies and crumble into a small bowl.  Once you've finished piping your marshmallow, sprinkle on top!  Simple, yummy, and pretty much danger-free.

Option Two: Roasted Marshmallow Topper

So now for those of us with the torch and love any reason to use it.  Give the tops of these little babies a quick once over.  I LOVE the taste of the burnt marshmallow so these were right up my alley.

 There you have it!  The perfect fall cookie two ways!

Enjoy & Happy Monday.

Many Blessings,

{G3QDesigns}