This healthy caramel apple recipe has just enough caramel to give a nice hit of salty-sweet flavor in each bite for a tasty dessert.

Caramel Apples

Serves 6

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup agave nectar

2 tablespoons butter

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons chopped unsalted nuts, such as peanuts or pecans

6 small apples, such as Eve or Paula Red

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and coat with cooking spray. Coat a tablespoon measure with cooking spray.

2. Combine brown sugar, agave, butter and salt in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat; as soon as the syrup starts to lightly bubble around the edges, cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more. Add nuts and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is melted and the mixture darkens, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

3. Working quickly, spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel over each apple. Repeat, spooning another tablespoon of caramel over each apple, turning as you pour.

4. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Insert popsicle/craft sticks into the tops. Press any stray strands of caramel back onto the apples. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.

Make-ahead tip: Store in wax paper at room temperature for up to one day.

Recipe nutrition (per serving): 225 calories, total fat: 6 g, saturated fat: 3 g, cholesterol: 10 mg, carbohydrates: 44 g, fiber: 4 g, added sugars: 23 g, protein: 2 g, sodium: 54 mg, potassium: 207 mg, folate: 11 mcg, calcium: 23 mg

Carbohydrate servings: 3

(EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com.)