Ah, October. The leaves crunch beneath your feet, the air tints your cheeks and, suddenly, thoughts of the upcoming dark days of winter ease into your mind. But never fear, October’s remaining weeks are still prime time for all things autumn, including outdoor festivals, pumpkins, costumes, ripe apples and gooey golden-colored caramel.

These apples are delightfully sugary, crunchy and easy to make. Forget a tabletop stove and saucepan – all you need is a microwave and a microwave-safe cup. These babies can be personalized with chopped nuts, candies or sprinkles, so invite friends over and provide a smorgasbord of toppings they can add before the caramel hardens. But we kept ours simple as a throwback to our childhood memories.

So celebrate October and indulge your sweet tooth without trekking off campus to find the nearest apple festival.

Add To Shopping Cart: cup brown sugar corn syrup (or cup honey, or cup sugar and cup water)1 tbsp. water4 apples (rinsed)4 plastic knives (or popsicle sticks)

Proceed To Check-Out1. Mix corn syrup, brown sugar and water in a small microwave-safe container, preferably a Pyrex measuring cup.2. Stir out all lumps with a fork.3. Microwave for about 30 seconds, then in 10 second increments as needed, until mixture begins to bubble slightly on top and turns a darker brown.4. Remove from microwave; set aside.5. Remove stems from apples and plunge a knife into top of apple through center core.6. Arrange on a plate.7. Drizzle caramel mixture onto apples, covering them completely.8. Place apples in the refrigerator until caramel firms (about 20 minutes).9. Enjoy!