Caramel Apple Wedges

2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 apples, cored and each apple cut into 6 wedges
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1. Place sugar in medium, heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat until sugar melts, about 20 minutes. Carefully stir in butter then cream. (Mixture will spatter.) Cook over low heat until any lumps disappear, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt.

2. To serve, pour caramel sauce into serving bowl or fondue pot over heat source. Arrange apple wedges on a plate. Combine coconut and chocolate chips in a separate serving dish.

3. Using fondue forks, dip apple wedges into caramel sauce, then into coconut mixture.

Variation: To make caramel apples, combine 1 package (14 ounces) caramels and 2 tablespoons water in heavy saucepan. Melt over low heat, about 10 minutes. Roll apples in melted caramel mixture, then in coconut-chocolate chip mixture. Cool on sheet of waxed paper until firm.