What’s a better treat for this holiday season? Apple-Flavored caramels really evoke the essence of the holidays. These candies cook up very fast and make a sweet gift for friends and family. Boiled cider, fresh nutmeg and cinnamon add the warm, baked-apple flavor. 
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup boiled cider*
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Directions:
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with shortening. Line it with a piece of parchment that overhangs the long edges of the pan.
- Stir together the heavy cream and syrup in a 6 quart stock pot. Add the granulated sugar, cubed butter and boiled cider. Stir well until the mixture is a consistent color.
- Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot, or insert the wand of a digital thermometer into the mixture and set the alarm to 248°F.
- Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. When sugar is dissolved and mixture is at a full boil, decrease the heat to medium-high. The mixture will continue to bubble. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the candy thermometer reads 248°F.
- Stir together the salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small condiment cup. Remove the pan from the heat source. Be careful, it will still be bubbling.
- Stir in the spice mixture.
- Pour the caramel into the prepared pan.
- Let the pan stand, uncovered, at room temperature overnight. You may also refrigerate the pan for quicker setting. Run a knife between the parchment paper and pan.Turn the solid caramel block out on a work surface or cutting board. Cut it into 1 x 5-inch lengths.
- Wrap the caramels in 6-inch squares of wax paper and twist the ends to close. Be sure to wrap them soon after they’re cut into pieces; if left at room temperature for an extended period of time, the caramels will relax and lose their shape. Keep caramels in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 8 days. Caramels will keep slightly longer when stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.