This year we have all adapted to enjoying events and celebrations a little differently. With Halloween coming up this weekend many people shall be swapping large parties for smaller soirées and trick or treating for games at home. We believe that downsizing can be just as fun, and gathering at home with those closest can be made a memorable event. Halloween is a great excuse to indulge in sweet treats, no matter your age. Here at Talking Tables we have debated the ultimate Halloween treat that fills us with childhood nostalgia and agreed on the toffee apple as perhaps the most iconic of all.

With the upcoming Halloween evening being spent at home it’s a great time to get creative and make your own toffee apples to enjoy. We’ve found a quick and simple ‘how to’ from BBC Good Food which we shall be taking on ourselves!

Ingredients

• 8 red apples
• 400g caster sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 4 tbsp golden syrup
• red or black food colouring
• red or black food glitter (optional)
• 8 lolly sticks

Method

• STEP 1

Push the lolly sticks into the stalk-end of the apple firmly. Put a large piece of baking paper onto a wooden board.

• STEP 2

Pour the sugar into a large saucepan and add the lemon juice and 100ml water. Bring to a simmer and wait until the sugar has dissolved. Gently swirl the pan to evenly move the sugar but don’t stir. Add the golden syrup and watch until the mixture bubbles (be careful it doesn’t boil over) until it reaches 'hard crack' stage.

Test the toffee by dropping a small amount into cold water. It should harden instantly. If it's soft, continue to boil. When it's ready, drip in some food colouring and swirl to combine. Add the glitter, if using, and turn off the heat.

• STEP 3

Dip each apple into the toffee, covering the whole surface. Lift out and allow any excess to drip off before putting on the baking parchment. Repeat with the remaining apples. Gently heat the toffee again if you need to. Best eaten on the same day.