Lemon Juice Prep

• As soon as you slice an apple and the inner flesh comes in contact with the air, oxidation begins. This oxidation is responsible for the unattractive browning that occurs on apple slices. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of water and dip your apple slices into the solution. Pat dry with paper towels afterward and set aside.

The Melt

• Melt the chocolate just before you are ready to dip. Place chocolate chips -- the flavor of your choice -- in a microwave-safe bowl and pop it in the microwave. Heat the chocolate on high for one minute, then check the consistency. If not completely melted, continue heating in 20-second intervals, stirring the chocolate after each check. Begin dipping the apple slices immediately after melting the chocolate, reheating the chocolate if it begins to harden before dipping is complete.

From Freezer to Fridge

• After dipping, lay each apple slice on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide the baking sheet, uncovered, into the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens over the apple slices, remove and serve. For faster hardening, freeze the apple slices after coating them with the lemon juice solution and patting them dry. Lay them on the baking sheet and set the baking tray in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes prior to dipping, refrigerating for a final chill after dipping.

Super Sweet Dip

• Increase the sweetness of your chocolate-dipped apple slices by adding a layer of caramel. After coating the apple slices in lemon juice, dip a rubber spatula into a bowl of caramel and spread it onto the outer skin of the apple slices. After spreading on the caramel, skewer the apple slices with toothpicks and dip in melted chocolate. A sprinkling of oats or coconut sugar after dipping the apple slices in the chocolate is an optional flavor booster.