Caramel Apple Treats

I love Caramel Apples.  More specifically, I like treats that taste like caramel apples.  I don't think I've eaten a whole caramel apple since middle school.  Lately, I have been making my own warm caramel apple drink in the microwave.

While I don't like the fact that the caramel topping is chock-full of chemicals and preservatives, I have neither the time nor the ambition to make it from scratch.  I only use about one teaspoon caramel topping and a shake of cinnamon per large cup of apple cider.

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I also like to make a caramel-like dip to serve with apple slices. 

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

Mix about one cup light brown sugar with two eight ounce blocks of softened cream cheese.  Add about one-half cup finely-chopped nuts of your choosing and one tablespoon vanilla.  Stir.  Serve with slices of raw apple.  This makes a bunch.  You might want to halve the recipe if you aren't serving guests.