Chipotle Bacon Pecan Caramel Apples...

there are no words to describe...

"A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS"

and YES...

BACON DOES MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER

especially when it's got a little kick of chipotle.

better late than never...i've been dreaming about this for weeks.

now it's crunch time and i found myself scrambling for these simple ingredients.

i would normally have gone with the old classic...individual wrapped Kraft Caramels.  i was willing to unwrap as many of those little suckers as possible...man, they are a pain.  i could not find them anywhere today...and i needed them TODAY.  i had a bee in my bonnet.  2 days 'til Halloween and i had to get this done.  i finally found some Werther's Chewy Caramels...a little bit more pricey...and individually wrapped of course, but like i said...i had to get it done...that bee was a buzzin' .

i thought the chews were the right texture, but i did find confirmation that they were right for the job at their website with helpful simple apple dipping instructions....found HERE.

here's what you need to go buy...NOW

4-5 granny smith apples

11-12 oz chewy caramels...Werther's or Kraft

lollipop sticks...wood popsicle sticks would have been better.

2 Tbsp cream.

1 lb. bacon...cooked extra crispy, chopped into small pieces.

i cooked a 12oz package and ran out after 4 apples....so sad.

ground chipotle powder and cinnamon...optional.

i sprinkled ground chipotle pepper and cinnamon on bacon 3/4 way through cooking in the oven

a handful of pecans, chopped...sweet & spicy pecans found at Trader Joes.

dark chocolate  for a nice drizzle?  or double dip ???...

DARN...i ran out of time...again......so sad

for clear cut easy caramel dipping instructions go to WERTHER'S CARAMELS or the KRAFT WEBSITE...

here is what i did...

wash apples...you might need to scrub them or wipe dry very well to remove any waxy coating.

pop clean apples in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

remove stem and push in stick.

prepare a flat surface with parchment that can fit in the fridge.

melt caramel and cream in the microwave on high, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes (depending on microwave).

dip apple and let excess drip from the bottom.

roll in bacon and pecans.

WORK QUICKLY...the caramel sets fast and the bacon won't stick.  you might need to apply bacon and pecans in some missing areas.

quickly put the beautiful bacon pecan apples in the fridge on the parchment.  let set for at least 15 minutes.

NOTE...they should stay chilled until presenting them....

they will begin to sag from the weight of the POUND of BACON you have applied.