Sweet Ocean Apples

Ingredients:
6 medium apples (Granny Smith, for a tangy bite)
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Gel-based blue and teal food coloring (for vibrant ocean hues)
White candy melts (for wave-like swirls)
Edible glitter or shimmer dust (optional, for an ocean sparkle effect)
Edible pearl sprinkles or small sugar sea shells

Directions:

1. Prepare the Apples:
   Thoroughly wash and dry your apples. Insert wooden skewers or sticks into the tops and set them aside on a parchment-lined baking tray.
2. Make the Vanilla Candy Coating:
   In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves.
   Once dissolved, increase the heat and allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F/150°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
3. Create the Ocean Look:
   Divide the candy mixture into two bowls. Add blue food coloring to one bowl and teal food coloring to the other. Stir each mixture to achieve a smooth, vibrant color.
   Dip each apple first into the blue mixture and then swirl it lightly into the teal mixture to create a stunning ocean gradient effect.
4. Add the Decorations:
   Melt the white candy melts and drizzle over the tops of the apples to resemble ocean waves.
   Before the coating sets, sprinkle edible glitter to give the apples a shimmering ocean-like appearance. Finish by decorating with edible pearl sprinkles or sugar sea shells for a true beach-inspired look.
5. Cool and Serve:
   Place the apples on the tray and allow them to cool completely until the candy coating hardens. Once set, your Sweet Ocean Apples are ready to dazzle with their magical seaside look.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 apples