Our favorite holiday (well, one of them) is just around the corner: Thanksgiving! Can you smell it? The roast turkey, the candied yams and sweet potatoes, the gravy, the pumpkin pie? Can you see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade lining the streets of New York City? Can you see your entire extended family sitting around a cluttered dining room table, reliving Thanksgivings past? We can. Thanksgiving reminds of all these things plus one more: Stress. That’s right. Entertaining and feeding an entire family can be quite a daunting task, but never fear, Concord Foods is here to help with our “Five Tools to a Successful Thanksgiving Special.”

1)       The Roasting Pan

The roasting pan is a Thanksgiving staple, a building block. And for that reason it’s the one tool you can’t afford to skimp on. It’s here that the turkey sits for hours on end marinating in its own juices. A good roasting pan is the key to perfectly browned skin, flawless vegetables, and flavorful gravy. Don’t leave the pride and joy of the meal up to chance!

2)       The Carving Set

Nothing’s worse than spending all day tending to a perfectly cooked bird only to find that you don’t have the right tools to cut it up. A good carving set can make a true turkey sculptor out of a butterfingered novice. Everyone has an uncle that likes his turkey slices cut exactly ¾ of an inch wide, but don’t let his crazy requests get in the way of enjoying your meal.

3)       The Turkey Baster

Remember when we said the roasting pan was the key to a perfectly browned turkey skin? Well, we lied. Kinda. The roasting pan is only half the equation. A good turkey baster will ensure the skin is not only beautiful to look at, but also full of flavor. And why not take it to the next level and get a stainless steel baster? That way you can make sure none of the juices leak out and ruin your Thanksgiving day outfit.

4)       The Table Centerpiece

Not every Thanksgiving staple has to do with food. In fact, many think the key to hosting a successful dinner party is in the décor. Centerpieces don’t have to be elaborate. In fact, there’ll probably be so much food on your table you won’t have space for a big piece. Get creative. Fall colors, mini pumpkins, candles, and corn are all great places to start. Plus, if that crazy uncle starts to act up again you can always block him out of your line of vision with a nice pine cone and pear arrangement.

5)       The Friends and Family

All right this one goes without saying, but we figured it’s important not to lose track of what exactly Thanksgiving is all about. No matter how the turkey turns out, how well carved the bird is, whether the potatoes are candied or out of a package, whether there’s a beautiful bouquet in the center of the table or you eat on the floor, Thanksgiving is about spending time with the people you love. It only comes once a year so make the most out of it!

Caramel Apples Make for Picture Perfect Halloween Fun!

When the weather cools and apples of every variety ripen on trees then make their way to grocery stores and fruit stands across the country, our appetites turn to seasonal treats – especially caramel apples.  

At Concord Foods, we agree with the always flavorful Chef Paul Prudhomme who declared in a 2008 cooking video, “Oooh, caramel candy apples are something that can really get my heart to thumpin’.” 

While caramel apples can be purchased ready-made from specialty stores, confectionaries and websites, there’s no better way to ensure you’re serving and enjoying fresh caramel apples than by making the delicious treat yourself. 

If you’re thinking we’re suggesting you spend the afternoon unwrapping caramel candies and standing over a flame in an effort to melt the caramel to just the right temperature, don’t worry, we wouldn’t dream of suggesting that technique.  We’ve invented a solution for creative cooks with little time and no patience for candy-making errors.  Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wraps are the easiest way to make your own caramel apple treats at Halloween, Thanksgiving or anytime. 

The basic Caramel Apple Wrap recipe is only a three step process.  You can check out how easy the steps are on the back of the Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wrap package or within our recipes area.  http://www.concordfoods.com/caramel-apples-0/#.UFDcSY1lR2E 

Planning a Halloween party or Thanksgiving celebration?  With a little extra effort, caramel apples can go from being part of the menu to the life of the party! Just make sure you have crushed candies or mini-chocolate chips at the ready.  To assist you in adding that personal touch to your caramel apples, we’ve gathered frequently answered questions from our resident product expert.  

Question:  If I want to add chocolate chips to my caramel apples made with Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wraps, when do I put the chocolate chips on to ensure the chips stick without melting?

Answer:  Immediately after taking the apples out of oven (or microwave), roll in mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate immediately to allow the candy to set.

Question:  What about adding almonds or walnuts and other foods that do NOT melt?  When is the best time to roll the apple in these foods?

Answer:  Same as above – while the caramel apples are warm from being in the oven or microwave. The key is to refrigerate immediately so it sets quickly.

We’ve found the best items (for sticking to the caramel wrap) to be crushed nuts (such as peanuts), coconut, jimmies/sprinkles, crushed Heath Toffee Bar*, Mini M&Ms* or Reese’s Pieces*.

One of the benefits of the Caramel Apple Wraps is that the product is not as sticky as other caramel mixtures, so smaller items stick best.

Question:  What if I want to drizzle white chocolate or dark chocolate onto my caramel apple?  Do I do this when the caramel apple is hot or after it has cooled off?

Answer:  When the apples have cooled off.

Question:  Is oven or microwave cooking preferred?  I can make the Caramel Apples with either method. 

Answer:  Oven is preferred. In the oven, the caramel will warm, but the apple will stay nice and crisp. In the microwave, the heat can penetrate into the apple and make apples less crisp.

Question:  Do you suggest using a particular type of apple with Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wrap?

Answer:  While any apple can be used, the key is using a small, firm apple. The apple should be 2.5 -3” in diameter. We recommend a firm, sweet apple such as Granny Smith. The one apple we do not recommend using is Red Delicious because they are less firm. 

Question:  If I want to make the Caramel Apples the day before my event, what is the best way to ensure the Caramel Apples stay fresh? 

Answer:  Store caramel apples in cool, dry place. We recommend refrigerating.  Caramel apples are best if eaten within 24 hours, however they will keep for 48 hours. If you wrap the caramel apples, use cellophane paper, which you can find in the arts & craft section in stores. Do not use plastic wrap – it will stick to the caramel.

Question:  Does it matter if I start with room temperature apples or refrigerated apples?

Answer:  Apples at room temperature are best.

Question:  Any hints if I want to serve apple slices instead of a whole apple?  Do I can the apple before or after I put the apple wrap on?

Answer:  Follow the package directions for caramel apples and cut the apples up when they have set. Wetting the knife before cutting will make it easier. http://www.concordfoods.com/caramel-apples-0/#.UFDcSY1lR2E 

Question:  Does the recipe stay the same if I use bananas or strawberries instead of apples?  Does Concord Food have other products for different fruits? 

Answer:  The caramel wrap is recommended for firm fruits with skins, such as apples & pears.

Finally, if you’re still not convinced that making fresh caramel apples is easy with Concord Foods Caramel Apple Wraps, check out our YouTube video.  

Oh and one final note!  After you’ve made your creation, TAKE A PICTURE as our friend Mindy did with the photo above and enter your best in our Caramel Apple Season Photo Contest.  We’ve even made contest entries easy.  Here’s how.

*Heath Toffee Bar and Reese’s Pieces are registered trademarks of The Hershey Company.  M&M’s are a registered trademark of Mar’s Chocolate.

Concord Foods Cranberry Bread and Sweet Potato Casserole Mixes are perfect for Thanksgiving meals! These delicious dishes are sure to impress your guests! Look for these mixes at your local supermarket.

Looking for great recipe ideas for your Thanksgiving celebration? Please visit our recipe section for appetizers, side dishes, desserts and more! We’d love to hear about what Concord Foods’ products or recipes are on your holiday menu. Please comment here.