Fall is finally here and it’s time to light your favorite pumpkin spice scented candle, sip on chai tea and snuggle up on the couch with your new throw.
The simplest way to enjoy the new fall season and guarantee fun for your guests (besides a fully stocked bar) is a food station where they get to be hands on and create their own dessert! You’ll see how quickly everyone will be smiling like a little kid.

I created a simple apple dipping DIY station that is healthy and delicious and an inexpensive way to enjoy an evening with some friends.

Here’s what you’ll need: (quantity of ingredients will vary depending on how many guests you’ll be serving)

• apples
• variety of dips (gotta be a cool host & have more than 1 dip)
• bowls to place dips in
• assortment of toppings (the more toppings the happier your guests)
• bowls to place toppings in
• sticks to insert in apple slices

Place already sliced apples on sticks, ready to be dipped or have sticks available in a cup placed next to sliced apples. My fav apples are Gala, but you can use Granny Smith or whichever else you like.

*Hostess Tip: If you happen to cut your apple slices a few hours before your party, I recommend dipping them in sparkling water and freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown. It’s crazy how well it works!

For the dips, I decided to keep it on the healthy side and chose three: melted dark chocolate chips (my fav are from Enjoy Life) peanut butter, and a homemade date “caramel” dip. I’ve included a recipe below. By all means, if you love real caramel dip then go for it! You can even try white chocolate, chocolate hazelnut spread, just about anything creamy works well! I placed each dip in a cute mini mason jar.

As for the toppings, a variety is always fun. I chose Enjoy Life dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, honey roasted peanuts, sprinkles, Reese’s peanut butter cups (I had to) and gluten free snickerdoodle cookies. Other fun toppings can be mini marshmallows, Oreo cookies, salted nuts and pumpkin seeds. Remember to keep your toppings bite size so its easier to coat your apple slice. I tossed the peanuts and cookies into a mini chopper & grinded them up. I placed all the toppings in cupcake liners for a fun casual look.

It’s always nice to label each dip & topping (although I didn’t) so guests can identify everything. Especially for anyone that has a food allergy. I happened to keep everything gluten free. You can simply write on folded card stock or even a pretty gift tag and place in front of each dip and topping.

For those boring guests that are too cool to dip their apples (semi kidding) you can create a platter with already decorated sliced apples drizzled with chocolate & caramel dip and a variety of toppings.

Vegan Caramel Dip

• 1 cup soft Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or more to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in the blender, and blend until smooth and creamy. If using a standard blender that isn’t so powerful, you may have to soak the dates in water for 2-3 hours, until soft. Adjust flavors to taste, and chill before serving.

For refreshments I served delicious organic apple cider. For a kick, add some bourbon to each glass & stir well.

I couldn’t help myself and inserted a tealight candle into an apple to create that perfect fall ambiance. And donuts. Because who doesn’t love donuts?

Happy Fall, ya’ll!

With love,

Kyranna