Kittencal's Caramel Apples

No caramels to unwrap for these there easy and fun to make and the best caramel apples, you may roll the caramel apples in mini M&M's, nuts, chocolate, cereal or just about anything just make certain to roll while the caramel is still soft on the apples --- I made these often when my son was growing up especially around Halloween time, and also for many birthday parties, for me this has been the best recipe and I have tryed my share when my son was young --- kids of all ages just love these!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter (no substitutes)
• 2  cups  packed brown sugar
• 1  cup light corn syrup
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2  teaspoons vanilla
• 8 -10  wooden sticks
• 8 -10  medium tart apples

Directions

1. Insert 1 wooden stick into each apple.
2. In a heavy saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and milk; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees (firm ball stage) about 30-40 minutes and for a softer caramel cook just to a few less degrees.
4. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
5. Dip each apple into hot caramel mixture; turn to coat.
6. Holding by the stick, sprinkle with nuts or whatever you desire while the caramel is still warm (work quickly the caramel sets up fast).
7. Set on generously buttered wax paper to cool (make certain to generously butter the paper).
8. Note: if making a double recipe make two recipes in two separate pots.