Full confession: When I was about 4 or 5 years old I was so utterly terrified of Halloween that I once ran from the dinner table to the bedroom where I locked myself inside it for 20 minutes while Trick or Treaters came to the front door of the house. I’m not sure why I did that exactly as I wasn’t normally a timid or shy child; I think my dramatic exit had more to do with the fact that I enjoyed that sense of fright, darkness and mystery that rolls around every October. I like to be scared when I know nothing bad will actually happen.
This explains my interest in fright nights, scary movies, haunted houses, macabre scenarios, you name it. I think there’s a part of all of us that likes that thrill…why else would we visit haunted houses, watch slasher films, and listen to Paris Hilton songs and videos?
Not that I’ve done the latter. Even that’s too scary for me.
When I mentioned to Adam that I wanted to do my first Halloween blog post about a cocktail I tried he quickly informed me that it would neither be a) exciting b) deep enough or c) have enough pizazz. “What’s so exciting about a cocktail, all by itself?” he asked. I could see his point as there are tons of others who focus on spirits and do a much better job. Besides, this drink wasn’t anything exciting or thrilling but perfect for the grown-ups at any Halloween party. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll help you out” said Adam.
Wow. Was my drink really that lackluster that it needed help? Apparently so.
He grabbed his car keys, ran to the store, came back but not before making a detour to the front yard where he began tugging at one of the trees. My partner isn’t a man of a thousand words (which must be why we’re a great match) but sometimes stoic and methodical. He was up to something I could tell but I didn’t quite know what. When he returned to the kitchen he ransacked his baking shelf, took out the candy thermometer, a sheet pan and began his kitchen alchemy.
What happened next was pure magic.
I walked back into the kitchen to find the most beautiful candied apples before me. Black glossy cinnamon-scented candied glass enveloped small apples, twigs became their handles, and a few shockingly red candied apples only made their black counterparts more ominous. It was halloween on a silpat, a spooky forest that completed my cocktail.
I had no choice but to have him bundle up the apples, head to the studio with me where I knew exactly how I wanted to photograph them. They joined my new favorite black wine goblets from Juliska in an eery still life that still gives me the chills when I look at it. Only this time there’s no need to lock myself in my bedroom.
Red & Black Candy Apples
8-10 medium sized apples
8-10 wooden twigs, twimmed
3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup of water
several drops of cinnamon flavored oil
1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring
1/4 teaspoon of black food coloring
Clean and dry the apples. Try to remove as much of the wax as possible. If you purchase them from your local farmer’s market then chances are they have not been treated with the food grade wax that makes then shine. Remove any stems or leaves and insert a twig into the end of each apple. To facilitate easier twig entry you can carefully sharpen the end of the twig or use a candy stick to create a guide hole. Set apples aside.
Heat and stir sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan until sugar has dissolved. Boil until the syrup reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. Don’t go over 310 degrees or your candy burns and then you’ll be sad.
Remove from heat and stir in flavored oil and food coloring.
Dip one apple completely in the syrup and swirl it so that it becomes coated with the melted sugar candy. Hold the apple above the saucepan to drain off excess. Place apple, with the stick facing up, onto a baking sheet that’s greased or lined with a silpat. Repeat the process with the remaining apples. If your syrup thickens or cools too much, simply reheat briefly before proceeding. Let the apples cool completely before serving.
A note about the black apples: Lighter colored apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious) work well in making the red appear bright and glassy; darker apples like red delicious help the black candy appear as dark as possible. Muy spooky!
Also, Adam made one batch with red food coloring and after he had a few red apples he reheated the candy mixture and added black food coloring. Adding black to red will make it darker. He repeated the dipping process. Black food coloring can be found online or at specialty baking stores.
Matt’s Winter Cocktail
I only call this winter because it has the flavors of pomegranate, apple and pear. Other than that it’s really just a sweet excuse to get drunk. The pinch of pumpkin pie spice in the drink gives it a holiday flair but it’s subtle. You can use dry ice to make it spooooky if you make a large batch of it but I don’t recommend putting dry ice into an individual glass if you want to keep your lips. Serves 2.
2 oz Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
2 oz Pear Vodka
4 oz Apple Cider or Juice
tiniest teensiest pinch of Pumpin Pie Spice
Add ingredients and crushed ice to a shaker and blend well. Empty drink and ice into a glass and get your drunk on.
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I don’t care for candied apples – much prefer caramel ones – but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these photos!
Love these photos! The apples sound absolutely divine =D. Perfect way to start your halloween!
These are fabulous- best Halloween treat I’ve seen this year! Your cocktail looks great too
When you first shared this photo on twitter I was awestruck – and now I still think it is one of the best Halloween food shots I’ve ever seen. Incredible styling and photography! You two are one hell of a team!
Wow. Who knew it would be possible to make candied apples look creepy and dark? This conjures up visions of Tim Burton making his own version of Snow White.
Adam is such a rock star; this is amazing. And I’d have your cocktail in a heartbeat. I have many many missed cocktails to make up for, after all.
This is so perfect! My family always hosted a Jack O’Lantern carving party when I was a kid and my mom served caramel apples, chili, and corn bread. My husband and I now host the party with our neighbors…this year we’re getting together on the morning of Halloween and planting apple trees in 5 yards on our block. I am so making these as a surprise treat.
Matt – I am border line OBSESSED with these! I have been talking about them since you said something on twitter! They are so amazing!
Matt,
These candy apples are the very best Halloween treat I have ever seen! Awesome!!I will have these for the grand kids this year for sure…remember when we had strong teeth and NO fillings to spoil the moment?
This photo is so beautiful – I can see a reflection of you in the candy apple – (makes it more spooky). I aspire to this!
Lisa
http://www.snacksnoop.com
I am in love with Adam’s apples! I am on a mission this weekend. Thank you!
When you tweeted the top picture, it literally took my breath away. What an amazing and fresh take on Halloween sweets. Love, love, love it!
This is just beautiful!! What great photography.
Wow, those apples are stunning. Thanks for sharing Matt!
what an amazing idea.. and the images are just gorgeous…
love the black apples!
spooky beauty! instant LOVE!
AWESOME!! i love halloween and dia de los muertos this is seriously my favorite time of the year and im always looking for cool new things to try. i cant wait to get out of work and try this out!!
Adam is awesome. Completely stunning apples. “Halloween on a silpat” just cracked me up.
I too used to run from trick or treaters..
These apples look exquisite. I like the asymmetrical twigs instead of plain uninteresting sticks.
These are awesome, and scary.
I noticed recently that I am developing an allergic reaction to vodka and rum though I still can drink fruit and plant based alcohols. [So no worries, I do have good 'ole wine and tequila] But I can’t find any good cocktails that don’t call for rum or vodka, do you have any good ones up your sleeve?
Oh, wow. Matt this is the best Halloween post I have ever seen. Props to yo’ man on his creativity.
There was a cocktail recipe there? Sorry, distracted by the awesomeness of those photos.
Freaky! Well, beautifully freaky. Stunning shots, funny story. When I saw the candied apple on the October issue of Gourmet (before we all knew it would be the next to last issue) I thought that was the most unusual thing ever — red wine candied apples.
Now, seeing your shots, I think I was wrong. Your black and red candied apples are even more avant garde. Bravo!
Incredeeblay. Love the photos and the candied apple idea. You two are quite a team!!
Amazing! I had to post these to my entertaining blog – these apples are beyond gorgeous!
Your pictures are gorgeous, Matt. I always think that to have an awesome food blog, you have to have an authentic voice and take great photography, and you pull it off so well. I think I have the voice, but I am lacking on the photography skills. Any tips What kind of camera?
Geez Louise! These are GORGEOUS. That first shot is magic.
i love. love. love. halloween! too bad, germans don’t celebrate it as much as we, americans, do. they’re slooowly trying – but still not there.
The black apples contrasted with the red glazed apples are just phenomenally beautiful! I can only imagine the wonderful cinnamon aroma wafting through the kitchen. The twigs for handles is a brilliant touch too!
Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
Please advise those who do use twigs rather than something else, to be certain not to choose something that is toxic. Some plants, OLEANDER, for instance is HIGHLY poisonous and can lead to death!! Please check with a florist or garden shop prior to just “picking up” a twig or stick…better safe than sorry.
Stunning, Matt and Adam! Simply stunning. Love the concept, love the photography. So spooky!
My God these look crazy awesome! If I have a Halloween shindig this year I’m definitely making these! Thanks for posting them
ps. The pictures are amazing.
P.
These apples are absolutely gorgeous and look delicious, too!
Those are gorgeous and sooooooo awesomely creepy. Beautiful.
These look gorgeous and sound delicious! I can imagine using specialty red-fleshed apples, like Scarlet Surprise or Hidden Rose, would make the whole experience even more striking. On the twigs they look like giant evil cherries, which makes me kind of want to try this recipe with cherries. But cherries are definitely not an autumn fruit around here.
wow… these are so beautiful, i think i wouldnt even eat them and just keep them for decoration…all year round!! absolutely gorgeous.
Boo!!! Gosh I love this time of year! Great post! Love them apples. Those wine goblets are very cool. Great opportunity to use them. Hope you won’t be hiding out in your bedroom this Halloween. I bet a few sips of your winter cocktail will help u get over your fears
Oh MY! Those apples simply stunning! Incredible photos!
Those are boootiful.
They’re perfect. Can’t imagine the shape of my kitchen just trying to get one to look like that. Gorgeous.
absolutely beautifully!
We are not big on Halloween here in New Zealand but I am tempted to give these a go anyway just because they look so beautiful! What a great idea using a twig instead of an ice block stick!
Thank you Matt!
They look hellishly beautiful!
Beautiful idea and gorgeous pictures
What a great party idea! The twigs are much more authentic. Cheers!
Oh, forgot to ask…………does the black food coloring stain teeth? The reason I ask was that I made a Dalmatian cake for my son’s birthday & the black frosted parts left stains on the kids lips & teeth not to mention tablecloth, walls etc.
WOW!!! Great pics, great idea black candied apples. Those would be great for Dia de Los Muertos.
What a fun time you and Adam had!! These are surely very apt for Halloween!
Gorgeous!
Fantastic photo! I can’t stop staring at this.
i made caramel apples yesterday, these outdo those boring ol’ things indefinitely! fabulous.
I was a pretty fearless trick or treater, I even made my own costumes out of my dad’s closet every year. I was often an “old man” or a “hobo” (very un-PC).
While beautiful, I never got into candied apples. An apple covered in sticky goop could never hold up to a bag full of candy for me.
Utterly Fantastical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your photos are always nice but I found myself staring at the first photo for, I’m not sure how long, and I had to snap myself out of it. Wicked hot!
Amazing photos!!!
I’m fully creeped out and in the mood for a Matt’s Winter Cocktail… nice work.
These are THE MOST FANTASTIC things I have ever seen! My girlfriend has the spookiest Halloween party every year, I will definitely be bringing these along! FYI… Walmart has black food coloring…
Wow! Do you mind if I re-post on my blog and credit you? These are so amazing!
Love your photos.. amazing.
Matt! Amazing photos and a very fun treat. This would be a fun idea with my apple picking haul from last week.
Great job. Love your blog
My goodness! Those are simply works of art! I did a double take! Fantastic work!
These are the sexiest candied apples I have ever seen, Matt.
Love it. Just LOVE it!
Wicked photos dude. Have to make these for my Halloween Bash.
photography super
very eerie, spooky, and exactly how I’d picture the witch to be serving come Halloween.
That looks absolutely amazing. Perfection. Especially because Halloween is, gasp, next week!
Scary apples! I love the photos! The apples look like they are going to kill the people who are going to take a bite in it!
Inspirational!
After seeing your post i was obsessed with making these candy apples to pair with a hard cider for a beer tasting i attended this weekend.
Those are awesome. They look so creepy and yet so delicious! What a great take on caramel apples.
This looks AMAZING, I love the contrast between the colors.
Oh, I’m cooking for a Halloween party this weekend and I just went out and bought all my ingredients! Now I find this…
The party doesn’t really need these, does it? I could just go and buy more ingredients… if only I could buy more time!
Candied apples instantly bring me back to loosing fillings as a kid. Happened more times than it should of. Luckily for me, I ditched the fillings and will be trying these out this week!
Amazing photos. Really, very well done.
Those are the most amazing candied apples I have ever seen. Thank you for those fantastic pictures!
Hi Matt! I was floored by the photos and enchanted by the story. I hope you don’t mind that I posted a link to your blog from mine. I am now a huge Matt Bites fan!!
I am in awe of these. So simple, so stunning. This doesn’t happen to me very often. Wow.
Laura
84 comments. Dang! Anything else??
That is by far the coolest Halloween blog post! You guys are awesome. I love the idea of making a black and red candy apple. It’s genius and super spooky. I also can’t get enough of your beautiful food photography! Good job and Happy Halloween!!!
Those are just awesome. If I did big parties I would so serve those.
Adam is awesome!! This are utterly amazing!!
These look amazing! I made some for a Halloween party yesterday using your recipe. I had never had a candy apple before and wasn’t sure what to expect. I think I must have held my apples funny when I dipped them as they all ended up with extremely bubbly surfaces (when the sugar mixture was free of bubbles). Also the resulting candy apples were so hard that we had to cut them into wedges and they were still nearly impossible to eat. Everyone commented on how they were used to candy apples with gooey candy coatings. Having never had a candy apple before, I wasn’t sure what was typical of the treat and what wasn’t. Are these supposed to have a hard candy exterior, and, if so, what is the preferred way to enjoy them?
I loved the cinnamon-candy apples as a kid! They are so hard to find, jelly apples, no, caramel apples, NO! Yum…I cannot wait to make these yummy, spicy apples for my boys!
these are INSANELY fabulous!!!!! so luscious.
immediate LOVE!
thea.
xx
(http://www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com)
Hi everybody, Happy halloween!!
Great photos-makes me want to jump right in the picture!
These are amazing Matt! What a picture! Your pictures always inspire my to practice more with my camera. In the Halloween spirit, I was thinking you might appreciate my husbands Day of the Dead mask he made. http://vivacindy.com/
Wow, Matt! These pictures are amazing! honestly, I almost licked my screen. lol! Hope u had a great halloween!
Stumbled onto your blog today via ShareSomeCandy and am so glad I did!!!
All I can say about these photos is that they are GORE-geous!!! Loved reading about the ‘making of!’
Cheers!
Love your stuff! great presentation and talent. Feel good!
It’s like I’m looking at the teaser photos for a grown-up version of Snow White. Excellent work!