Caramel Apple Dip

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Apples - 4, firm and fresh
2. Caramel Sauce - 1 cup
3. Butter - 3 tbsp
4. Brown Sugar - 1/4 cup
5. Salt - 1/4 tsp
6. Vanilla Extract - 1/2 tsp (optional)
7. Walnuts or Pecaans, chopped - 1/4 cup (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Core and slice the apples into thin pieces.
3. In a saucepan, combine caramel sauce, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
4. Once the caramel mixture is ready, reduce the heat to low and stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
5. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a baking dish and pour the caramel mixture over them.
6. Top with chopped walnuts or pecans (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbling.
8. Serve warm with ice cream or as a dip with fresh apple slices or breadsticks.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approx. 250 calories per serving (based on using 1/4 cup caramel sauce, 1 tbsp butter, and a few walnuts)
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fibre: 3g (approx.)

Dish Characteristics:

• A sweet and savory dish with a rich caramel flavor paired with the crispness of fresh apples.
• Warm and comforting, perfect for colder weather or as a dessert.
• Can be served as a dip or as a topping for ice cream or breadsticks.

User Comments:

1. "This caramel apple dip is amazing! The combination of sweet caramel and crisp apples is delicious." - John Doe, New York
2. "Love the addition of walnuts in this dish, gives it a nice crunchy texture." - Jane Smith, California
3. "Baking the apples in the caramel mixture takes this dish to another level. So good!" - Michael Johnson, Texas

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh apples that are firm and crisp for best results.
• Adjust the amount of caramel sauce and sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
• Keep an eye on the baking process to ensure the apples don't get too soft or burn.
• This dish is best served warm, so prepare it at the last minute before serving.