Miniature Caramel Apples

Aren't these miniature caramel apples from Glass Slipper Cakery darling?!! I adore miniature desserts anyways and think these are perfect for a children's Halloween party. I tried these for a kids party we did a few years ago using a recipe from Family Fun, but could not get the caramel to stick and ended up dipping them in melted chocolate chips. I'm anxious to try this recipe from Glass Slipper Cakery :


RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
4-inch lollipop sticks
Melon baller
Granny Smith OR Red Delicious apples (one apple makes about 8 mini apples)
3 oz. Peanut butter chips
2 tsp. shortening
Paper towels
Nonpareils OR sprinkles
Empty egg carton
Cut the lollipop sticks in half at an angle (the pointy end will go into the apple pieces easier).
Combine the peanut butter chips and shortening in a small bowl. (DO NOT use caramel. Due to the moisture of the exposed apple, it will NOT stick!!) Heat chips in the microwave 30 seconds at a time until melted. Set aside to cool down, about 10 minutes.
Scoop a ball out of the apple with the melon baller, exposing a section of apple peel. Work ONLY one ball at a time, to prevent the yucky browning. (See below!)
Push half of a lollipop stick into the peel of the ball.
Pat the apple dry with a paper towel.
Dip and swirl the mini apples in the melted chips, covering the exposed apple completely, leaving only the peel showing. Set aside standing on a plate for 5 minutes.
Roll the apple in sprinkles or nonpareils. Let stand for 15 minutes to harden.
Place the mini "Caramel " apples in an empty egg carton and place in the fridge.