I know you know this is totally not me, but accept it: I’ve made something cute. I don’t usually care for the adorable side of the baking equation, I’m far too practical to paint faces on my desserts. Until now. I was pondering the crisp autumnal air and started imagining a forest scene: hedgehogs, owls, and squirrels partying together amidst burnished leaves on the woodland floor. And once the image took hold in my head, I thought it might be fun to make a cookie inspired by that fever dream.
Since I’m such a voracious snacker, I often have to bargain with myself: “I’ll let you eat in between meals,” I say to myself, “if you eat something healthy. Ish. Healthy-ish.” And this peanut butter dip definitely fits the bill.
I’m like a magpie sometimes, my eyes caught on anything bright and shiny. A candied apple will always turn my head and this Fall I’m making batch after batch to serve guests at my home (who doesn’t squeal in delight at the shiny shell?).
I’m not normally the sort of person who thinks an apple needs much adornment. But every once in a while, I do love an apple dipped in buttery caramel. And this caramel is the best. It’s thick and luscious, it’ll coat the apple without pulling out your teeth, and it’s easy to make.
