Grape Taffy Apple Bites

It is still fall right?  I know it is see-your-breath cold, dark by 4pm, hot cocoa, and peppermint bark time but let's rewind to warmer, lighter days of fall.  Think pumpkin patch, corn maze, apple cider time.

Picture this... bite size taffy apples, grape-size.  Perfect!  When was the last time you had a taffy apple?  I really can't remember the last time I had one... maybe high school.  What I do remember was I didn't finish it.  It always seems they take the biggest apple they can find and coat it in 3 layers of caramel and nuts.  Quite the investment.

Ok let's pause here and point out the elephant in the room.  Why am I writing about taffy apples in December.  Truth time.  Lately, C and I are a bit obsessed with the TV series Friday Night Lights.  They have the whole series on Netflix streaming and it is out of hand!

In a way I was taking a breather from busy evenings.  I was going through pictures and came across these and realized I needed to share.  Dare I say these would make the perfect app or dessert to bring to a holiday party.  They are small, super easy to make, and borderline healthy.

The best part is the kids can help!  Z made an entire cookie sheet full of them. I won't tell you how many times he had to wash his hands.  Well worth it though!

SO WHAT ARE THEY?  They are green grapes dipped halfway in melted white chocolate then rolled in finely chopped peanuts.  That's it!  I know what you're thinking.  How does that make a taffy apple?  It just does.  Trust me.

My mother-in-law, Grandma Shell, told me our family friend, Elizabeth, made them for a party and I had to make them for The Queen's just dessert baby shower.  I always listen to Grandma Shell and I'm glad I did!

Grape Taffy Apples

2 large bunches of seedless grapes (I used green but use what you like)
Bag of white chocolate chips
Jar of roasted and salted peanuts (could use honey roasted)

Place peanuts in food processor and pulse until crushed pretty fine or put in ziploc bag and crush with hammer.  Put peanuts in bowl.

Melt Chocolate.  I put a couple inches of water in a small pot over medium low heat and place a glass bowl on top to make a double boiler.  Add chips and stir until melted.  Remove from heat.  Alternatively, you can use microwave and heat in 30 second intervals at reduced power until melted.  Careful though since white chocolate can seize up on you pretty quickly.

Wash grapes and dry thoroughly.  Dip grape halfway into chocolate then roll in peanuts. Place on cookie sheet or jelly roll pan lined with wax or parchment paper.  You have to try one right away!

Make as many grape bites as you like. As Elizabeth says, "Make a ton cuz they will all be gone!"  She's right!

Put cookie sheet of grapes into refrigerator to chill for a couple minutes.  Once set they can be stacked in a bowl if you'd like or served in a tray.  Do what works!

Yea so the first picture is the only picture of a finished grape taffy apple that I took.  Lame-ness!