A fun dessert for fall parties

Isn’t fall the perfect season for hosting get-togethers? It seems extra warm and cozy to invite loved ones over while the sunlight is golden and a fire in the fireplace feels like a novelty.

I have another before-and-after to post later this week, but I wanted to share this ingenious idea for parties you might host this fall, courtesy of my aunt Janell.

Caramel apples are often associated with autumn, and this easy serving idea lets your guests customize their own and eliminates the work of dipping the apples yourself.

The idea is simple:

• Make a big batch of your favorite caramel (or melt down caramels from the store).
• Prepare as many toppings as your heart desires. Janell served Oreo crumbs, mini M&Ms, Reese’s crumbles, and cinnamon-sugar. My favorite combo was caramel and peanuts—yum.

• Here’s the smart part: Buy disposable plastic dishes designed for nachos—you know, the kind with two compartments (one for nacho cheese and one for the chips). Then, instead of chips and cheese, slice up a bunch of apples and serve caramel and apples in each dish. Guests can sprinkle in the toppings of their choice.
• Devour.

Cleanup only requires you to bag up the disposable dishes and send them out to the dumpster. Easy as pie!

Is this a great idea or what? I can’t wait to try it out this fall, and I hope you will too. Thanks for the idea, Janell! I come from a long line of women who know how to throw a party, which means I’ve been well fed and well entertained my entire life. It’s a good thing. •