10 - 12 wood skewers, 4 - 6"
10 - 12 med. apples
3 c. granulated sugar, extra fine
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
2/3 c. water
1 tsp. lemon juice
15 whole cloves
1 - 2 tsp. red coloring, as desired

Stick skewers into stem end of apples securely. Combine granulated sugar, cream of tartar, water, lemon juice and cloves in heavy saucepan; stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add red coloring. Without stirring, cook syrup to 300°F, or to hard crack stage. Remove from heat. Skim out cloves and twist apples in syrup quickly.

Set on greased cookie sheet.

Optional: Sprinkle with nuts or flaked coconut while still hot.