Looking for some great family fun ideas for Halloween.  Fall is a great time to go picking your own apples at your local country apple orchard.  Gravensteins make a great tasting Caramel/Candy Apple.  To make your own be sure to wear protective gloves and let the kids join in the decorating of the apples.  Use candy corn, sprinkles, nuts, skor bits, M&M’s… use your imagination.

Caramel Apples

• 12     apples
• 2     (14 ounce) packages individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 4     tablespoons milk

1. Remove the stem from each apple and press a heavy craft stick into the top. Sprinkle a baking
   sheet with sugar to prevent sticking.
2. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring
   once. Allow to cool briefly.
3. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Decorate with candy – optional.  Place on prepared sheet
   to set. Enjoy

Another fun food is popcorn treats.  Pop in the microwave, stove-top, or air popper.

Popcorn and Candy Balls

20 cups popped popcorn

1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 7oz jar marshmallow creme (optional; add orange food coloring to give a seasonal hue)

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups M&M’s.

Boil corn syrup and sugar to boiling; stir constantly to avoid burning. Remove from heat and add marshmallow, butter, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the hot popcorn, stir gently to coat. Let cool and with damp hands quickly shape mixture into small round balls.  Decorate with candy corn or other fun candies -optional.  Wrap in plastic wrap.  Stores for up to 1 week.