GOURMET PECAN CARAMEL APPLES

5 large Granny Smith apples

5 wooden craft sticks
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons water
1 (7 ounces) chocolate candy bar, broken into pieces 
2 tablespoons shortening, divided
1 cup chopped pecans  

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Dip apples into boiling water briefly, using a slotted spoon, to remove any wax that may be present. Wipe dry, and set aside to cool. Insert sticks into the apples through the cores.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and coat with cooking spray. 

Place the unwrapped caramels into a microwave-safe medium bowl along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook on high for 2 minutes, then stir and continue cooking and stirring at 1-minute intervals until caramel is melted and smooth.  

Hold apples by the stick, and dip into the caramel to coat. Set on waxed paper; refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set.

Heat the chocolate with 1 tablespoon of shortening in a microwave-safe bowl until melted and smooth. Dip apples into the chocolate to cover the layer of caramel. Return to the waxed paper to set.

Gently press chopped pecans onto the sides of the apples while chocolate is still warm. Work very gently or you will push the caramel around causing it to pull away from the apples.  

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