Festive red caramel apples

Ingredients:

• 4 apples
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup

Preparation:

1. Insert lollipop sticks into 4 apples, pushing them one-third of the way in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups sugar, 1/4 cup each corn syrup and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and add 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring. Continue cooking, swirling the pan but not stirring, until the caramel registers 285°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes; remove from heat. Immediately dip each apple in the caramel, swirling it over the pan to release any excess caramel. Decorate the apples (see instructions below).
2. Decoration:
   
   Sugar threads
   Dip the apple in the caramel as directed, then, holding the apple sideways over the pan, dip a fork into the caramel and quickly swish it around the apple to create thin threads. Let it set.
   
   Apple with candy
   Roll the apple in crushed candy canes immediately after dipping it in the caramel. Let it set.
   
   Apple in white chocolate
   Let the caramel set on the apple, then drizzle the apple with melted white chocolate. Sprinkle with silver nonpareils.
   
   Coconut apple
   Roll the apple in coconut immediately after dipping it in the caramel. Let it set.