Double-Dipped Gourmet Caramel Apples

4 or 5 medium apples
Wooden sticks
2 (14 ounce) packages caramels (96 pieces), divided

First Caramel Layer
Wash and dry apples; insert stick into stem end of each apple.

Microwave 1 package of the caramels and 2 tablespoons of the water in a small deep microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every minute. If caramel sauce is too thin, let stand about 2 minutes before dipping apples.

Dip apples into hot caramel sauce; turn until coated. Scrape excess sauce from bottom of apples. Place on greased wax paper. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.

Second Caramel Layer
After refrigerating, repeat microwave and dipping directions with caramels and 2 tablespoons water.

See decorating ideas below for warm caramel apples. Otherwise, refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. See decorating ideas below for chilled caramel apples.

Store decorated apples in refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving to allow caramel to soften. Makes 4 to 5 medium apples or 2 large (3/4 to 1 pound each).

Decorating ideas for warm caramel apples
Roll in chopped pecans or nuts of your choice; drizzle with melted apples.

Decorate with non-pareil covered semi sweet chocolate chips; drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Roll in graham cracker pieces and miniature marshmallows; drizzle with melted chocolate.

Roll in macadamia nuts or premium mixed nuts; drizzle with melted white and semi-sweet chocolate.

Decorating ideas for chilled caramel apples
Dip apple in melted chocolate, several times, waiting for chocolate to harden a little between each dip. Use white or semi-sweet chocolate or marbleize.

Dip bottom of apple in melted chocolate; decorate with toasted coconut and slice almonds.

Decorate with melted white or semi-sweet chocolate and sprinkles.

Any of these apples can be decorated with anything you choose, such as raisins, chopped malted milk balls, peanut butter chips, chopped potato chips or pretzels.