How to Create a Popcorn & Caramel Apple Treat Board

One of the first food events we think of when autumn arrives is apple picking. Sure, we can find them more easily at the grocery store but it's not the same. We love the whole experience of picking them.

Plus the farm store and the cider and the doughnuts likely frying. But then we get home with a whole lot of apples and start looking for ways to use them apart from pie.

Caramel apples? Sure, we love those but they're a little tricky to eat. Why not just cut up those apples and dip the individual pieces in the caramel, right? And so we created our caramel apple treat board.

Not only are these skewered apple chunks easier to dip and easier to eat, they allow you to dip into multiple sauces and customize the toppings. Why restrict yourself to just caramel when there are so many other delicious options?

We filled jars with caramel sauce, melted white chocolate, melted semi-sweet chocolate and warm peanut butter. For topping options we included chocolate chips, salted peanuts, sprinkles and, our favorite of all, popcorn. The tart apple, sweet dipping sauce and salty crunch of popcorn is such a tasty bite.

Not only is the caramel apple treat board a great way to use up all the apples you've picked but it's a fun snack for both kids and adults. Have it ready after school or on a weekend afternoon. Serve it to company and watch how much fun everyone has dipping their apple pieces in the sauces of their choice and then choosing the toppings. No double dipping, of course.

Here's what you need:

• Large apples, either cored and sliced or cut using an apple cutter for perfect even pieces.
• Wood skewers
• Caramel sauce (store bought is fine)
• Melted chocolate (milk, semi-sweet or dark)
• Melted white chocolate
• Peanut butter, warmed in the microwave

Optional Toppings:

• Popped popcorn (we used our Dell Cove Movie Night kernels)
• Salted peanuts
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate chips
• Small candies
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed cookies

Cut up the apples and arrange the pieces in a bowl along with skewers. Or you can insert the skewer into each slice yourself and serve it that way. Add the caramel sauce, melted chocolates and peanut butter to little jars or bowls. Fill assorted bowls with the toppings and serve on a large platter.

Each guest can dip the apple piece into the sauce of their choice and then into the topping, or multiple toppings, of their choice.

We love the caramel sauce with popcorn topping best but they're all great. This tasty and interactive snack will be a hit anytime. Bonus points for serving some shaker jars of our popcorn seasonings to top it all off.