Cinnamon-Cider Candied Apples

Ingredients

• 1.8 cups apple cider 
• 0.5 cup brandy 
• 12  wooden craft sticks 
• 12 small granny smith apples washed and dried
• 0.1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 0.7 cup cinnamon-flavored candies red (such as hots)
• 1.8 cups sugar 

Equipment

• frying pan
• baking sheet
• sauce pan
• baking paper
• candy thermometer

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; coat paper with cooking spray.
2. Combine cider and brandy in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 3/4 cup (about 14 minutes).
3. Add candies to pan, stirring constantly until melted.
4. Add sugar and salt, stirring just until sugar dissolves. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 310 (about 8 minutes).
5. Remove from heat; let cool to 210 (about 15 minutes).
6. Stick craft sticks in apples; dip apples in hot syrup.
7. Place apples on prepared baking sheet; cool until set.