Apple Cider Caramel Slices with Crushed Cashews

Photo Credit: kblog.lunchboxbunch.com

Ingredients: 

• 4 apples, sliced (i used granny smith apple's)
• 1 cup of crushed cashew nuts

Vegan Apple Cider Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup apple cider
• ½ cup vegan shortening (you could use Earth Balance shortening sticks)
• 1 cup vegan dry sugar (you could use Whole Foods 365 brand)
• 2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoon corn starch (or arrowroot powder)
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 dash cinnamon
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• pinch of salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon molasses (optional)

Directions:

1. Dissolve the corn starch into the cider.
    
2. Add the cider/starch to a sauce pan with the other ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil - stirring constantly. When the bubbling becomes intense, reduce to medium heat and continue stirring until the mixture thickens a bit. Next, whip the caramel in a food processor for a few minutes to beat some air into it. This makes it really fluffed up the caramel in the end. After whipping it, reheated it for another minute - then turn off the heat. You could try also using a foam wand (normally used for coffee) that actually seemed to work well too!
    
3. Remove from heat. Pour the sauce into a bowl, Dip apple slices in caramel sauce while hot, and then dip it into the cup of crushed cashews, chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

Note: Serves 4, You could use the sauce for more recipes if chilled!


Original Recipe: kblog.lunchboxbunch.com