Wednesday, October 26, 2016

#Halloween Chocolate Caramel Apple Slices + book OR tote bag #giveaway from author @DarylWoodGerber




SPOOKY GIVEAWAY BELOW!


From Daryl aka Avery:

Halloween is so much fun. I love the decorations - even the gory ones - and I love seeing kids in their costumes. I also love many of the foods that people bring out during this time. Orange-toned foods. Chili. Cider.

I love buying a bag of candy at the store, putting it in the freezer, and not sharing it with anyone. Usually Milky Way, truth be told. They're great frozen!

I also love to surf Pinterest, as I've said in the past. There are so many clever decorating ideas. I found many of the colorful ideas I included into STIRRING THE PLOT, the Halloween-themed Cookbook Nook Mystery, on Pinterest.

I also find photos on Pinterest of goodies that I know I have to learn how to make. I found these apple slices on Pinterest and followed the link to the blog: Domestically Blissful.


As the blog will reveal, these treats took a bit of experimentation, but they were so much fun and the kids loved them!

I have to admit her caramel looked a LOT MORE ORANGE than my caramel. Might just be the choice of caramel. 









Note:

I’ve decided that these Chocolate Caramel Apple Slices – I start my recipe title with chocolate because let’s face it, they are mostly chocolate! -  are the easiest way to enjoy this special fall dessert! Plus they make great party treats.

From Domestically Blissful, here are 5 suggestions to help ensure perfect Apple Slices, though I have tweaked them to show what I learned or did differently.

  • Cut thick apple slices so the stick stays secure. Approximately 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick works great. 
  • Make sure to pat down the apples to soak up any extra apple juice. 
  • Allow some of the melted chocolate to drip onto the stick. This will act as a sort of edible glue that holds the stick and apple together.
  • Don’t drizzle caramel on your slices until chocolate is set.
  • Domestically Blissful also wrote: "I recommend that you make them and eat them in the same day. The longer they sit the greater the chance for a weeping caramel apple slice, which will cause the yummy coating to break or slide off in some areas."  HOWEVER, I, Daryl, didn’t have this problem as I kept them refrigerated until ready to eat. 2 FULL DAYS. The kids ate every bite! Nothing hit the floor!


CARAMEL APPLE SLICES

Ingredients:
            Apples – make sure they are crisp – each makes 3-4 slices
            White or Wooden Lollipop Sticks
            Melting Chocolate (*1 used Wilton’s; purchased at Michael’s Art Store)
              Caramel ( I used Smucker’s caramel topping; I might melt Kraft caramels in future)
           Toppings – optional ( I used crushed cashews)

Instructions:

First wash & slice your apples, remove the seeds, insert the stick at the bottom, and pat the apple slices dry.  (I didn’t remove the seeds, figuring I wouldn’t eat to the core of this treat.)

Cover each apple slice in melted chocolate and place on a piece of wax paper to dry.  Here's how I did it: I painted the chocolate on with a spoon. I did one side, let it harden, and then flipped the slices (setting them on parchment paper) and painted the other and the edges of the apples.

Let harden.

Then drizzle the caramel and press other toppings on top of your apple slices. 

Let harden and set in refrigerator for up to two days.

One slice is enough for any dessert eater!

























Halloween Giveaway!


It’s Halloween week so I’m giving away 
a copy of STIRRING THE PLOT
OR a Savor the Mystery tote bag
one winner’s choice!

Leave your email so I can contact you if you win. 

Tell me - what's the spookiest decoration you have seen this season?








Savor the mystery!
Daryl Wood Gerber aka Avery Aames
Tasty ~ Zesty ~ Dangerous!

*
Friend Daryl and Avery on Facebook
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Follow both of us on Pinterest
Plus check out my website.



GRILLING THE SUBJECT, the 5th Cookbook Nook Mystery, is out!
The Wild West Extravaganza has come to Crystal Cove.
Click here to order.




FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE, the 7th Cheese Shop Mystery is out!
Finally there's going to be a cheese festival in Providence!
Click to order.





GIRL ON THE RUN, a stand-alone suspense is out!
When a fairytale fantasy night becomes a nightmare, 
Chessa Paxton must run for her life...but will the truth set her free? 
Click to order








75 comments:

  1. A werewolf over. Six feet tall and with men's clothes.donamaekutska7@gmail.com the eyes were glowing red.

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  2. I saw a scary clown. I hate those things!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are not alone. Lots of people do. They look so docile from afar and then they get close... ~ Daryl

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  3. Awesome recipe! The spookiest decoration that I have seen this season is a full set of grave plots for a family on the front lawn, dates and all (death set in the future, obviously). Very negative and beyond spooky, if you ask me. EMS591@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Liz, like real dates for real people? Ew. Now that provokes a mystery writer to come up with a story for sure. LOL ~ Daryl

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  4. This wasn't spooky to me but it was spooky to a dog. I saw a shared video on facebook where someone had placed a witch with a sensor over a dog's food bowl. Each time he would lean in for a bite, the witch would cackle and put out a hand to cover the bowl. He would jump back in fright and then bark at the witch to tell the witch to back off. He would gather his courage and try again. He would get scared each time but he never gave up. It was a good reminder to keep going, no matter what your obstacles are. jenne.turner@unt.edu

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    Replies
    1. Jenna, that's just downright cruel to the animal. Yes, we keep going, but first we call the animal rights activist! :) ~ Daryl

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  5. Great healthier recipe for Halloween! Spookiest decoration I have seen so far has been a coffin with a hand creeping out of the slightly opened lid on a front lawn. grace dot koshida at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Grace, are you kidding? Healthy? All that chocolate! But it IS fun and delicious. ~ Daryl (Oh, wait, chocolate is a food group!)

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  6. Our next door neighbor's yard, filled with Halloween decorations which include gravestones, shoes sticking up from the ground, hands sticking up from the ground as if to grab you, various ghostly figures flying about (they're tied in the tree) and scary "scarecrow" figures. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net

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    Replies
    1. Dianne, the hands always get me, too! Or a foot dangling out the back of a car.

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  7. This looks like a tasty treat. I'd probably leave off the caramel and just go for the chocolate. :) As for scary decorations - not really that spooky scary but there's a house near me that has their yard covered in all types of Halloween decorations. They decorate for every holiday.

    Thoughts in Progress
    and MC Book Tours

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    Replies
    1. Mason, you sure don't need to add the caramel. The chocolate is what makes the shell. I happen to love caramel, but it's not for everyone. :) ~ Daryl

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  8. Haven't seen any really scary decorations around here, but on the news, those peeping tom window decorations were very, very scary!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! rw620 AT aol DOT com

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  9. A giant spider that jumps out at you when you step on the sensor pad made me scream. J_A_M_5672@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. No kidding! That would make me scream, too, Joann. ~ Daryl

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  10. Some guy sitting in his car, dressed up like a clown. I dont get the clown thing and it scares me every time.
    Landerson0626@hotmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Okay, that is just weird. He was probably waiting for the other 14 to come and get in the car with him, but honestly, they are scary. ~ Daryl

      Delete
  11. A group of us joined a Halloween road rally. We receive a list of addresses that have Halloween decorations. Then follow each and meet at a restaurant at the end.
    We saw what looked like a professional exhibit of The Walking Dead TV show. It was so realistic, as if they would move at any moment. Mbcncc@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great recipe and giveaway. An elaborate ghost, spider and creature decor in the front of the house which took a great deal of creativity. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Traveler, I think spiders and webs are the most often decor I see. That spider web stuff is HARD to remove from bushes. LOL ~ Daryl

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  13. The ones down the road have a tree with a white sheet like a ghost with the fake blood all over it and something for the eyes which are black looks creepy
    Penney penneyw(at)sbcglobal.net

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    Replies
    1. A bloody ghost? Huh. I didn't know ghosts could bleed. :) ~ Daryl

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    2. Penney, by random number selection, you won the giveaway! I'll be in touch. Congrats! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  14. The gigantic spider poised above the garage which lights up is amazing and seen from quite a distance. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Pictures of Presidential nominees

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  16. A life like zombie.
    kckendler at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Zombies creep me out. I've never been into them or movies that have them. ~ Daryl

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  17. I really hate spiders---so when I saw a huge spider on the side of a house, my skin just started crawling.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Sue, I hate walking out in the morning with Sparky and running into an unseen spider web. I'm certain 10 spiders are going to attack me STAT. Ugh. ~ Daryl

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  18. Happy Halloween. I love this season and faithfully plug in all the indoor decorations each night. I take a walk around the neighborhood every day and the other day was a little startled by hands sticking out of the ground. A wooden pallet nestled in with the cactus, hands sticking out of it, very subtle but creepy! Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Sally, subtle is definitely the creepiest. It sort of sneaks up on you! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  19. This recipe looks so good! I saw a creepy grim reaper. By the way, I am reading Grilling The Subject. It's definitely a suspenseful story. I am truly enjoying it. kristilewis.lrc@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Kristi, I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for telling me! ~ Daryl

      Delete
  20. I have to agree with Pamela Paterakis. My grandson does have the tombstones I made out - no real people dates. I think I'll make the apples and just dip them in caramel. Yum! jawdance@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Judy, so creepy! Yes, just dipping in caramel sounds good, too. :) ~ Daryl

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  21. The recipe looks very good. I like the idea of sliced apples instead of whole apples. You get more chocolate bwahaha! But for reels. I haven't really seen anything too scary. Our neighbors put up a headless horseman which has red eyes. It does look a little scary at night. Thanks for the giveaway! crossxjo @hotmail. com

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  22. What a fun excuse for eating chocolate! But, who really needs an excuse?
    I already have your wonderful book, so please pick someone else.

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    Replies
    1. Libby, I agree. Okay, who needs an excuse? LOL ~ Daryl

      Delete
  23. Love the recipe Really want to try it. Spookiest Halloween decoration I've seen was a huge black spider on a web. Wonderful giveaway. chettysmom@yahoo.com

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  24. Hard to choose. My neighborhood is really into Halloween. Yesterday I saw a two story house with all kinds of spooks hanging off the upstairs and downstairs porches. I've seen gigantic spider webs with gigantic spiders. Front yard scenes with scads of skeletons; one is a dance party. Just amazing.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. I think people haven't gotten much more "creative" in recent years. ~ Daryl

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  25. I can't wait to make these apple slices with my daughter! I've seen them on Pinterest (I'm on there way too much!) but wasn't sure they'd really work. I try to avoid the ever-humbling Pinterest-fail. But seeing someone "real" try them, I'm diving in! Thanks!!!
    awilcox1182@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. They are fun with kids to help! ~ Daryl (PS I'm glad you think I'm real LOL)

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  26. A giant spider.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  27. The spookiest decoration I have seen is a line of adult size zombies - arms outstretched - walking from the house down to the street. It was WONDERFUL! Bonnie (bmalic610@yahoo.com)

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  28. I tend to try and not look at the creepy decorations. I want to enjoy this day with my husband it is his birthday.
    CherylB1987 AT hotmail DOT come

    ReplyDelete
  29. A motion sensor 9ft Frankenstein scared me at the Home Depot! Zeta(at)iwon(dot)com

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  30. Fortunately, I am living a sheltered life in the boonies so I haven't seen any creepy decorations. I hate creepy! Give me cute! I can dream creepy enough all on my own! (And the 40 mice we have captured in our basement this year is all the creepy I can take!) The chocolate caramel apple slices look so good!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  31. The creepiest decorations I've seen this year was a house in the neighborhood wit all sorts of spiders and spider webs and other stuff in their yard. Those chocolate carmel apple slices really look amazing. Great for this time of the year. Happy Halloween!
    dIannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. I have to ask, did you use white chocolate as well(is that what the white is)? I really havent seen any decorations this year, but I think the ones that have scared me the most(on facebook) are the ones where something jumps out. Stuff that jumps at me always scares me to death. Oh also what kind of apple did you use? I always think caramel, candied, etc apples should be granny smith, but I see you used a different kind. Just being nosy, lol. kayt18 (at) comcast (dot) net. Thanks for the recipe and contest!

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    Replies
    1. Kay, yes, I used white cohcolate, too. And then caramel. Re: apples. I've seen regular red, Granny Smith, etc. I bought these and they were nice and firm and tart so they worked great. ~ Daryl

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  33. There haven't been many decorations up in our neighborhood so - even though they aren't decorations but are scary are some of the movies hubby has had on as Halloween nears. Just the sound effects keep me away! jeaniedannheim(at)ymail(dot)com

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  34. I have to drive by a zombie that's standing at the edge of a neighbor's yard, it's freaky...realistic looking. Yummy apples!!! I would like to try these bite sized. konecny7(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Marci, I bet they would be wonderful bite-sized. I like fruit in chocolate fondue! ~ Daryl

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  35. The decorations that are the spookiest are the floating bloody heads that look like some decapitated them. But my favorite is either an eight food witch or a pumpkin the size of a doghouse.
    Thank you for the giveaway...
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  36. And the winner is, by random number selector, Penney W! Congrats. I'll be in touch. Thanks to all for your fun comments! ~ Daryl

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  37. Probably the scariest thing I have seen is a giant (like ten inch) tarantula on the lawn next door. I never did like them. Most things make me laugh.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  38. I'm really surprised that I haven't seen anything really scary this year! Happy Halloween!!

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