Apple in orange caramel

Ingredients:

• 4 Golden Delicious apples
• 1 and 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 0.5 tsp orange gel food coloring
• 60 g of dark chocolate

Preparation:

1. Insert lollipop sticks into each apple about a third of the way. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the parchment with cooking spray.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add orange food coloring. Continue cooking, swirling the pan but not stirring with a spoon, until the temperature reaches 285°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes; then remove from the heat. Working with one apple at a time, dip them in the caramel, then swirl them in the pan and let any excess drip back down, keeping your fingers away from the hot caramel. Place the apples on the prepared baking sheet and let them set for about 5 minutes.
3. Place the chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Hold one apple over the bowl and, using a fork, drizzle the chocolate over it, turning it to coat it in a ring around the base of the apple. Return it to the baking sheet and let it set for about 5 more minutes. Repeat with the remaining apples.