Toffee apples are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This sweet dessert is popular all around the world, but its origin dates back to the early 1900s in South Africa. Today, toffee apples are still a staple of the South African food culture, and they are enjoyed by many during special events and holidays. Making toffee apples is easy and can be done at home. In this blog post, we will show you how to make your very own toffee apples, South African style.
Ingredients
The ingredients required to make toffee apples are:
- 6 medium-sized apples
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/4 cup of golden syrup
- Food coloring (optional)
Preparation
Before you start making the toffee apples, you will need to wash and dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a skewer or popsicle stick through the stem end of each apple. Line a baking sheet with baking paper or silicone mat to place the toffee apples once they're made.
Cooking process
Follow these steps to make the toffee coating:
Step 1:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, vinegar, and golden syrup over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Don't stir too vigorously, or the mixture may crystallize.
Step 2:
Increase the heat to high and boil the mixture until it reaches 150°C. If you don't have a thermometer, test the toffee by dropping a few drops of it into cold water. If the toffee becomes hard and brittle, it's ready.
Step 3:
Remove the toffee mixture from the heat and add a few drops of food coloring if you like. Stir gently to evenly distribute the color.
Step 4:
Dip each apple into the toffee mixture and swirl it gently to coat the entire surface. You may need to tilt the pot to get enough toffee to cover the whole apple.
Step 5:
Place the toffee apples on the prepared baking sheet and allow them to cool and harden. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
Serving Your Toffee Apples
You can serve your toffee apples immediately or store them in an airtight container. If you're making them for a special occasion, you can wrap individual toffee apples in cellophane and tie them with a ribbon to give as a gift. You can also use a decorative vase and some foam to create a toffee apple bouquet.
Conclusion
Making toffee apples is a fun and easy process that requires only a few ingredients. Whether you're making them for a party or just a sweet treat for yourself, they're sure to be a hit. Follow these steps to make delicious toffee apples South Africa style.
