Caramel Dip

So, caramel apples is a favorite October treat.  Well, where I live caramel is only sold in large expensive bags.

I thought of making my own but I did not have cream like many recipes call for.  I tried making some without it and butchered the recipe.

I know placing a can of sweeten condensed milk in a crock pot, covering it with water, and cooking it on low for 8 hours works. You can also boil it on the stove- always keeping it covered with water- for three to four hours.

Anyway, between failed recipes and limited time, no caramel apples in October.  We then received several apples for free and how to get dipping caramel crept into my mind again.  I did not want to wait 3-4 hours, constantly watching my stove.  I just wanted caramel and I did not want to run to the store, nor spend the money, for cream.

I then thought, "Wait a minute! I have half a dozen recipes for caramel popcorn. Surely one of those would work."

And it did!

Here is the recipe I based my caramel on:

Mixture1 1/4 cup brown sugar1/2 C corn syrup1/2 c Margarine1/2 can sweetened condensed milkDash of Salt

I halved the recipe (should have cut it in fourth) and did not cook it as long as I wanted caramel that was thinner for dipping.

Afterwards we had so much caramel left over, we made a small batch of sticky caramel popcorn.  Lots of treats. Just what everyone wants after Halloween, right?