Caramel Apple Dip

I have no idea where Mila would get such a thing (ahem), but she seems to think that dips qualify as a food group. She will drink queso with a straw, she eats ketchup with a spoon, and she's always dipping all of her foods in all of the things.

I question guacamole on watermelon, by the way. She swears by it, but I question it.

One of her favorite dips is caramel and she super likes it with Granny Smith apples. That's great and all, but she's a mess. Always. That kid lives to carry around filth. Thus, I try to keep her caramel consumption at bay. I basically just prefer that every surface in the house not be covered with a sticky film.

So, in my attempt to give the kid caramel dip for her apple slices, I bring you Caramel Apple Dip. 

Of course there's a fork in the dip in that picture. OF COURSE THERE IS.

Mila takes the dip food group very seriously. Sometimes she even needs silverware to facilitate its consumption. The good news is that this dip isn't terrible messy. That was exactly the goal. At the same time, it still tastes really REALLY good. That happens, of course, when you combine caramel with cream cheese.

Caramel Apple Dip

1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Crushed nuts 

1.  In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir and continue to let it sizzle until it browns and begins to smell nutty.

2. Add the brown sugar and stir some more. Remove from heat and add the vanilla and salt. Beware: adding the vanilla will cause it to bubble a lot.

3. Stir the caramel up really well, then toss it in a medium mixing bowl with the cream cheese. Beat until smooth.

4. Place in a serving bowl then top with a handful of crushed nuts. Refrigerate until cooled. Serve with apple slices or just go ahead and hand it to Mila. She can find a way to eat it even without silverware.