CANDIED APPLES FOR HALLOWEEN RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Butter a medium baking dish. 
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, orange juice, butter, cinnamon stick, bourbon if using, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until it has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes. When reduced, remove and discard cinnamon stick.
• Meanwhile, prep potatoes: Peel potatoes and slice into 1/2" rounds, then layer in prepared baking dish. Pour thickened syrup over potatoes and cover dish with aluminum foil. 
• Bake 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake about 50 minutes to 1 hour more, basting with sauce every 15 minutes. 
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Steps:

• Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Line with parchment and grease parchment with cooking spray. 
• Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, pushing about halfway through. Set aside. 
• In a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, combine sugar, 3/4 cup water, corn syrup, and food coloring and bring to a boil. Insert candy thermometer and continue to boil until temperature reaches between 300° and 310°, about 15 to 20 minutes. Immediately remove from heat. 
• Working quickly and carefully—coating will be extremely hot—coat apples in candy mixture and transfer to prepared baking sheet. 
• Let cool completely before serving.