Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Taffy Apples... Candy Apples... Caramel Apples... who can keep these sweet treats straight? But make no mistake; there are differences in our fall favorites.

A traditional candy apple is really just an apple with a hard sugary coating. An at-home recipe might consist of sugar, corn syrup, water and red food coloring to give it that cheery glow. Spicy variations might include cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice; or perhaps a tad of your favorite liquor for an adult crowd. (Mahalo.com for Martha Stewart recipes)

According to everyone’s unofficial fact bible, Wikipedia, a taffy apple and a caramel apple are one in the same. But I’ve had taffy that tastes nothing like caramel, so I remain unconvinced. Whatever you choose to call them, they are a wonderful treat -- chewy and crunchy in one delicious bite.

The taffy apple has a long Chicago tradition, made popular of course, by the Affy Tapple company, based in Niles, who has been encouraging kids to hawk these sweet treats since 1948! Now, I’ve never said no to a good old fashioned packaged Tapple, but if you’ve ever had the homemade variety in a myriad of chewy, crunchy flavors, it’s hard to go back to the assembly-line created ones.

Here are some places that offer the homemade, real deal:

Anton’s Fruit Ranch starts with the crispest and juiciest Granny Smith apples and hand dips them in caramel, then a variety of delicious toppings. From a simple cinnamon caramel to delicious pecan and white chocolate, Anton’s apples are well known and loved even outside Illinois. Ask them about shipping to your dearest but not so nearest! Prices range from $4.29 and up per apple.

For shamefully decadent “Gourmet” apples, look no further than Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Their 20 varieties include Snickers, Rocky Road, Pecan Pie, and M&M. Even the purists will be wowed by their traditional caramel with peanut. Don’t go hungry. Prices range from $4.50 to $7.25.

Last but not least, the “Susie, I can either buy you this caramel apple or you can go to college” award goes to The Bagel whose single apple price is $8.95. But in their defense, the apple really is as big as your head, chock full of yummy chocolate chips and nuts, and could easily feed a family of four. If you can’t splurge on your favorite fall treat, what can you splurge on?

Anton's Fruit Ranch
300 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park
847.831.9580

The Bagel
50 Old Orchard Center (next to Lord & Taylor), Skokie
847.677.0100

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Northfield Village, 300 Happ Rd., Suite 114, Northfield, IL 60093
847-446-5001

Laura Folkl

Fall’s Sweetest Treat

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