Sauteed Caramel Apple Bites

Ingredients

Caramel Sauce

• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbs. butter

Apples

• 1 1/2 Tbs. butter
• 3 large tart apples (1 1/2 lb.), peeled, cored, and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbs. brandy
• 1 2- to 3-inch piece of vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
• 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
• 1 pinch each ground cinnamon, cloves, and allspice
• 3 cups ice cream

Directions

To make Caramel Sauce

1. Dissolve cornstarch in creamer.
2. Spread sugar evenly in skillet or saucepan set over medium-high heat.
3. Sprinkle 2 Tbs. water and salt over sugar.
4. Stir until sugar dissolves.
5. Stop stirring when mixture boils.
6. Watch edges of pan for first signs of browning.
7. Swirl pan to encourage even caramelization.
8. Remove from heat when caramel turns from deep gold to amber.
9. Carefully—the mixture will bubble up—stir in butter and creamer mixture.
10. Return pan to medium-low heat, and cook 1 minute, or until smooth. Cool 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, to sauté Apples

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add apple chunks, and cook 2 minutes, or until beginning to brown.
3. Stir in sugar, brandy, vanilla seeds, lemon zest, spices, and 1 1/2 Tbs. water.
4. Cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
5. In a large bowl, coats apples with caramel sauce and mix gently.
6. Serve and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream.