Party Caramel Apples

Directions

1. Wash and dry apples; remove stems. Insert Popsicle sticks into bottoms of apples. Place on a buttered baking sheet; refrigerate until ready to use.
2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, corn syrup, maple syrup, molasses and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 248° (firm-ball stage). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla.
3. Dip apples, one at a time, into caramel and then into an ice-water bath for 1-2 seconds to set caramel. Dip apples in peanuts; place on the buttered baking sheet. Press red-hot candies onto apples as desired.
4. In a microwave, melt white chocolate; stir until smooth. Transfer to a small resealable plastic bag; cut a hole in a corner of the bag. Drizzle over apples. Repeat with semisweet chocolate. Decorate with additional nuts and candies as desired. Let stand until set.