Hot Caramel Apples

4 large tart apples, cored
1/2 cup apple juice
8 tablespoons brown sugar
12 red hots candies
4 tablespoons butter or margarine
8 caramels
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whipped cream (optional)

Peel about 3/4 inch off the top of each apple; place in a crockpot. Pour juice over apples. Fill the center of each apple with 2 tablespoons sugar, three red hots, 1 tablespoon butter and two caramels. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Coverand cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or until the apples are tender.

Serve immediately with whipped cream, if desired.

Yields 4 servings.