If you don't buy organic apples, you will need to remove the wax to allow candy to stick.

To remove wax, boil 6 cups water with 1 teaspoon or vinegar. Remove from heat. Dip apple in water and dry completely.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with non stick spray.

Wash and thoroughly dry the apples.

Insert the sticks in the apples.

Heat sugar, corn syrup and water over medium heat.

Cook until a candy thermometer reaches 300 (hard crack).

Remove from the heat and stir in the optional food coloring (watch out for splashing).

Carefully dip each apple into the candy mixture, twirling to completely cover.

Allow excess to drip back into pan.

Place on prepared sheet and allow them to harden.