Sometimes it's the occasion over the recipe - Candy Apples for a brace-free smile

Sometimes, it is more about the occasion and the gesture than it is about the recipe.  FYI...that is huuuuge rationalization...but today I actually believe it!  Someone got her braces off today...over a year of no corn-on-the-cob, apples, chewy candy (or so the dentist said...), nuts or hard food...which makes this a perfect occasion for surprise candy apples!

I actually wanted to make caramel apples and roll them in an abundance of candy treats, but time was not on my side and the Bulk Barn only had a candy apple kit....some terrible sugary, red-dye concoction that is mixed with sugar and boiled to 150F....but it looks great and it's a tasty treat on a special occasion!

The (brace-free) smile, running hugs and secret photos for BBM were enough to make it all worthwhile.

Candy apples always take me back to the good ole days when Simpsons used to put on the Christmas windows.  I can play back those cold, snowy days, watching the magical windows light up with colourful animation and Christmas sparkle....and there would always be those lovely old men with their carts of popcorn, candy apples and roasting chestnuts waiting for us on the corner.  It wouldn't be the same without a candy apple and some hot chestnuts to complete the occasion.  What a warm and wonderful memory.

Although I don't have a recipe to share (it's on the back of the box)...I did take the liberty of rolling the warm candy apples in toffee bits and sprinkles.  A tip for next time....the toffee bits work the best and they taste better too!