Ingredients

• 1 quart freshly popped popcorn
• 1 (9.5 ounce) package caramels, unwrapped (35 caramels)
• 1/4 cup light cream or “half and half’
• 4 lollipop sticks (or wooden candy apple sticks)
• 4 apples
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• Sugar sprinkles
• Decorative ribbon, optional
   

Directions

1. Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.  Place a sheet of waxed paper on work surface.
2. Heat caramels and cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.  Stir frequently until caramels are melted and cream is blended into caramels.
   Push a stick into an apple center and dip into caramel.  Spoon caramel over apple to coat.  
3. Place caramel-coated apple into bowl of popcorn and press popcorn onto caramel to cover.  Place apple on waxed paper to set; repeat with remaining apples.
4. Place chocolate chips in a small, resealable plastic bag.  Microwave 10 seconds and press chips to aid melting.  Repeat, heating at 10-second intervals, until chips are completely melted.  Cut a small corner off bag and squeeze chocolate onto each apple allowing chocolate to drip down sides.  Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
5. Tie a bow to each apple stick, if desired.  To serve, cut apple into slices.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup:
520 calories
16 g total fat
7 g saturated fat
10 mg cholestrol
180 mg sodium
99 g carbohydrates
6 g fiber
78 g sugar
6 g protein
186 mg potassium