Gourmet Caramel Apples - cooking recipe

Ingredients

5 granny smith apples
5 wooden craft sticks
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons water or 2 tablespoons milk
7 ounces chocolate candy bars, broken into pieces
2 tablespoons shortening, divided
1 cup candy coating, melts
Skor English toffee bit, salted peanuts, mini chocolate chips, mini M&M, etc., chopped (optional)

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon dip apples into boiling water briefly (about 3-5 seconds; no longer) to remove any wax that may be present. Wipe dry, and set aside to cool. Insert sticks into the apples through the cores. It's imperative the apples are dry.
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and coat with cooking spray. Silpat mats work great and need no prep. Place the unwrapped caramels into a microwave-safe medium bowl along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook on high for 2 minutes, then stir and continue cooking and stirring at 1 minute intervals until caramel is melted and smooth.
Hold apples by the stick and dip into the caramel to coat. Wipe excess from bottom to prevent puddling. Set on waxed paper; refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set.
Heat the chocolate with 1 tablespoon of shortening in a microwave-safe bowl until melted and smooth. Dip apples into the chocolate to cover the layer of caramel. Return to the waxed paper to set.
Melt the candy melts in the microwave with the remaining 1 tablespoon shortening, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Using a fork or wooden stick, drizzle designs onto your apples for a finishing touch. Sprinkle with optional ingredients, if desired. Refrigerate until set or overnight.