Its funny that as I was sharing Food Holidays: October 31st, 2022 is National Caramel Apple Day. Charlie and David have been talking about Caramel Apples and Charlie told David he would like to have a Caramel Apple. I think I will surprise David and Charlie and pick them one up at the Grocery Story this morning. Would you like a Caramel Apple as well?
As if October 31st wasn’t awesome enough with costumes, Ghouls, Candy, and spooky things galore – it’s also National Caramel Apple Day! Caramel Apples and Halloween go together like Ghosts, Goblins, tricks, and treats. This tradition stretches back decades to the day a creative Kraft confectioner invented the simple recipe while trying to figure out what to do with a bunch of excess Halloween Caramels. We say, “Bravo, sir! Excellent idea!” Then we take a big bite.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CARAMEL APPLE DAY
In the 1950s, a Kraft Foods employee had a abundance of Caramel candies leftover from Halloween and, apparently, a few Apples. Figuring out a way to use up the Caramels, the confectioner, Dan Walker, decided to melt the Caramels and covered the Apples with the melted Caramel, creating an immediate Autumnal classic.
Fall is associated so commonly with Apple picking, Apple Cider and Caramel Apples don’t fall far from the tree. As Apple Season comes to a close in late October, the remaining Apples are either used to create a hot Cider, Apple Pie, or Caramel Apples.
It didn’t take long for Caramel Apples to become the official snack of hayrides and corn mazes, but it did take long for Caramel and Apples to become what they are today. From their advents in the Middle East to the tall tale of Johnny Appleseed, Apples have a long history with humans. Caramel was created roughly around 1000 AD and, since then, Caramels have held a firm place in the drawers of grandparents everywhere and, more recently, Apples.
NATIONAL CARAMEL APPLE DAY ACTIVITIES
- All food-related holidays and observances are best experienced with gusto. National Caramel Apple Day is no exception. Get one before they’re gone!
- We know the basics: melted Caramel, an Apple and a stick and there are so many ways to prep this Halloween standard. Cover your Caramel with Peanuts, sprinkles, or Kosher Salt whatever you like!
- Create a tasty Caramel Apple which could be a Granny Smith Apple with Caramel and White Chocolate. Then gorge on the Caramel Apple while wearing a super-creative Halloween costume.
5 Facts About CARAMEL APPLES
- Colonists in the 1600s first introduced North America to the Apples we eat and enjoy today.
- The only Apple native to North America is the Crabapple, which most people find sour and unpleasant to eat.
- Rev. William Blaxton, the first colonist to settle in Boston, planted an Apple Orchard in 1625. The first Apple Orchard on the North American continent.
- John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, introduced Apple Trees to many parts of the American Midwest.
- In 2015, Cosmos Creations of Junction City, Kansas, made the world’s largest Caramel Corn Ball which weighed 6,780 pounds.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CARAMEL APPLE DAY
- Apples are perfectly tasty on their own, but the addition of a Caramel coating turns the Apple-eating experience into something yummy.
- There’s just something sweet and special about the way melted Caramel coats the outside of a bright red Apple. It’s like they were made for each other.
- Caramel Apples are delectable treats. With the clever addition of a stick, you don’t have to goo up your hands while you’re eating a Caramel Apple. Unless you want to, of course. Stick-less Caramel Apple-eaters unite!
Five things to know about Caramel Apple:
Candy Apples were first introduced in Arabian cuisine and the reason was that Fruit was candied to preserve it.
Americans have over the years turned that practice into gigantic Apples covered everything from red Candy and Caramel to Chocolate, Peanuts, Popcorn, and Chocolate.
Soldiers in World War I slanged them “Toffee Apples” and Candy Apples are popular all over the world.
England celebrates Guy Fawkes Day with Caramel Apples on November 5th.
Everything from a Kool-Aid flavor to a nail-polish shade has been named Candy Apple Red.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
