Although Red Hots and other cinnamon candies are available throughout the year, these spicy treats are especially popular around Valentine’s Day. In addition to topping cookies and cupcakes, and melting with marshmallow fluff, cinnamon candies enhance the taste of apples. You can bake cored apples in the oven or microwave with cinnamon candies stuffed inside or melt the candies down and mix them with canned or homemade applesauce for extra sweetness.
Hot Cinammon Candies
Red Hot Cinnamon Apples cooked on the stove provide an especially flavorful side dish to any meal or can be used as a topping over vanilla ice cream. As easy as this recipe is, it becomes even easier with a variety of substitutions. Although the recipe calls for Red Delicious apples, any type of apple can be used or any type of pear, for that matter.
Depending upon individual preferences and what the cook has on hand, the candy itself can be substituted also. Ferrara Pan Red Hots, Ferrara Pan Atomic Fireballs, Brach’s Cinnamon Imperials, Brach’s Cinnamon Star Brites, or other cinnamon hard candies can be substituted with similar success. Add the larger candies (discs or balls) according to desired taste; typically the darker the red of the cooked apples, the stronger the cinnamon flavor. For a subtle cinnamon, go easy on the candy at first.
Red Hot Cinnamon Apple Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 apples (Red Delicious or any other apple or pear variety)
- 8 teaspoons Red Hot Candies (or other cinnamon candies)
- 4 tablespoons water
Directions for Stovetop (Recommended):
- Wash the skins of the apples with soap and water. Dry apples and peel.
- Slice apples into bite-sized pieces, avoiding the core and any bruised sections.
- Place apple pieces into medium-sized pan.
- Add water to apples.
- Place cinnamon candies in pot with apples and water. Spread candies evenly in pot.
- Simmer covered on medium low, stirring frequently to prevent candies from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook 35-40 minutes depending upon desired firmness. Apples soften as cooking time increases.
- Cool slightly before serving as a side dish or a dessert over vanilla ice cream. Any remaining cinnamon juice in the pot can be served with the apples, if desired.
Serves 4
Directions for Microwave Oven:
- Follow steps 1-5, replacing the pot with a microwave-safe container.
- Microwave uncovered for five minutes on medium-high setting 8.
- Remove from microwave and stir.
- Microwave for another five minutes at same level, removing to stir again.
- Continue process until apples are the desired firmness. Watch water level to ensure apples don’t become too dry. Add another tablespoon of water if needed. Microwave levels vary, so monitor the apples carefully every five minutes. Stovetop method recommended for better control over consistency.
Serves 4
For more quick recipes, read Easy Banana Nut Bread and Easy Cranberry Side Dishes.
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