A new twist on Taffy Apples

When you walk into Walmart, Target, or any of those types of stores, the first thing you will find is candy and along with candy comes the Taffy Apples. I love the original Taffy Apples with caramel, nuts, and a green apple inside, but these kind are better. Chocolate and peanut butter dipped apples sound even more delicious than the other kind. This is a HERSHEY'S kitchen recipe that is found on their web page. These home made candy apples can be fun to make and easy to enjoy. I like the red apples better than the green ones anyway.

Ingredients:

• 10 to 12 medium apples, stems removed
• 10 to 12 wooden Popsicle sticks
• 1 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips, divided
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening, divided (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)

Directions:
1. Line tray with wax paper. Wash apples; dry thoroughly. Insert wooden stick into stem end of each apple; place on prepared tray.

2. Place chocolate chips, 2/3 cup peanut butter chips and 1/4 cup shortening in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted when stirred. Dip bottom three-fourths of each apple into mixture. Twirl and gently shake to remove excess; return to prepared tray.

3. Place remaining 1 cup peanut butter chips and remaining 2 tablespoons shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted when stirred. Spoon over top section of each apple, allowing to drip down sides. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 10 to 12 coated apples.

These don't take long to make and are a favorite at get togethers. Another way to make these chocolate and peanut better treats is also found on HERSHEY'S Kitchen recipe.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Coated Apples

Ingredients:

• 10 to 12 wooden popsicle sticks
• 10 to 12 medium apples, stems removed
• 1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
• MOUNDS Sweetened Coconut Flakes or chopped REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips(optional)

Directions:
1. Insert wooden stick into each washed and dried apple. Cover tray with wax paper.

2. Stir together peanut butter chips and oil in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1-1/2 minutes or until chips are softened. Stir until melted. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted when stirred.

3.Stir together powdered sugar and cocoa; gradually add to melted chip mixture, stirring until smooth. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until very warm.

4. Dip apples in mixture; twirl to remove excess coating. (If coating becomes too thick, return to microwave for a few seconds or add additional oil 1 teaspoon at a time.) Roll lower half of coated apple in coconut or chopped chips, if desired. Allow to cool on prepared tray. Refrigerate, if desired. 10 to 12 apples.

These look like normal Taffy Apples, but instead of nuts there are peanut butter chips. Both of these ideas are cheap and tasty.