Monkey & Panda Caramel Apples

One of the best things about my husband is his childish childlike enthusiasm. He is playful, easily impressed, and always excited about the more whimsical candies I come up with. I never have to wonder, "what would a kid think of this candy?" because all I have to do is let him see and test it, and I'll have my answer!

This foolproof candy-testing system is how I knew I had a hit on my hands with my Monkey Caramel Apples. Now I thought they were cute, but I wasn't sure how the younger element would view them until I heard his gasp of delight. He impatiently paced around while I photographed my little monkey heads, then couldn't wait to dive in and taste one. (It's not often I get to type a sentence like that on the blog!)

The verdict? Sweet, primate-themed success! These Monkey Caramel Apples don't taste so different from regular chocolate-dipped caramel apples, but the appeal is entirely in the packaging. Vanilla wafer cookies and some judicious dots of white and dark chocolate transform them from mild-mannered apples into goofy monkey faces.

But maybe monkeys don't bite your banana. Maybe you're more of a bear person. If that's the case, how about a Panda Caramel Apple? These cuties use the same basic idea: white chocolate covers a caramel apple, then chocolate sandwich cookies and chocolate discs are used to make simple, and simply adorable, animal faces. These apples make a great cooking craft for kids, and they're perfect for birthdays, animal-themed parties, and zoo trips!

Get the recipes: Monkey Caramel Apples
Panda Caramel Apple

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Photo ©2011 Elizabeth LaBau, licensed to About.com, Inc.