Candy Apple with Bacon

Instructions

1. Step 1

   WASH apples, then dry completely. (Note: In order for the sugar syrup to stick to the apples, the apples need to be well chilled before washing, drying and dipping them in the syrup.) Insert wooden pop stick into stem end of each apple.

2. Step 2

   COVER baking sheet with parchment; spray with cooking spray. Bring sugar and water to full rolling boil in medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Cook 8 to 9 min. or until syrup registers 238ºF on candy thermometer. Remove saucepan from heat. Immediately whisk dry drink mix into sugar syrup until well blended.

3. Step 3

   DIP apples, 1 at a time, into sugar syrup, turning to evenly coat each apple with syrup. Hold apple over pan to allow excess syrup to drip off apple before placing apples, 2 inches apart, on prepared baking sheet. Let stand 10 min.

4. Step 4

   MEANWHILE, cook bacon as directed on package; drain. Cool slightly.

5. Step 5

   PAT bacon dry with paper towels. Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Sprinkle bacon evenly over apples; press bacon gently into candy coating to secure. Let stand until candy coating is firm.

   Substitute:

   1. Prepare recipe using your favorite flavor of KOOL-AID Unsweetened Drink Mix.

   2. Immediately soak all cooking equipment in warm soapy water for 5 min. to help make cleanup easier.

   3. These delicious treats can be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerate up to 2 days before serving.