8 medium red apples
8 flat popsicle sticks
2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup (Karo)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup hot cinnamon extract (1 3/4 oz. bottle)
Candy (red hots)
10 drops red food color (optional)

Wash and dry apples; remove stems and insert sticks into stem end of apple.

Mix sugar, corn syrup, and water in heavy 2-quart saucepan, cool over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture boils and sugar is dissolved. Then cook, without stirring, until temperature reaches 250°F, or until small amount of syrup dropped into very cold water forms a ball that is hard enough to hold its shape, but still pliable. Add cinnamon candies and continue cooking to 285°F or until small amount dropped into cold water separates into threads which are very hard, but not brittle.

Remove from heat. Stir in red food coloring if desired. Hold each apple by the stick and quickly twirl in the syrup, tilting pan to cover all the apple. Remove and allow excess to drip off, then twirl to spread syrup smooth over apple. Place on lightly greased baking sheet to cool. Store in a cool place.

Note: If candy mixture cools too quickly while dipping the apples, it may be reheated over low heat.