Directions:
Step 1:
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, and grease with a dab of butter or margarine. Kids can help wash the apples in a colander and dry them with a kitchen towel. If they have stems, you may need to help remove them. Insert a craft stick into each apple.

Step 2:
Let kids unwrap the caramel candies and add them to a microwave-safe bowl. Help them measure out the water and add that to the candies.

Step 3:
Place in the microwave and heat on high for about 3 minutes. Stop the microwave and stir the caramels every minute or so. While you hold the bowl (be sure to use oven mitts--some bowls get very hot!), kids can help stir with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Continue heating the caramels until they are completely melted and smooth.

Step 4:
Carefully remove the caramels from the microwave. Please note that the caramel will be very hot, and the bowl may be hot, as well. Help kids dip the apples into the caramel and hold them over the bowl to let the excess caramel drip away. Dip once or twice to coat the apples. If you like, you can also dip them into the nuts. Set them on the buttered wax paper to cool.

Kitchen tip:
If you prefer, you can heat the caramel and water mixture in a medium pot on the stove over medium-low heat.