Tip #1 - If you do not have a candy thermometer the best way to prepare the coating is by heating it over medium-low temperature while stirring. To check if it is ready to dip the apples in, you simply dip a tsp and let it drip over a cold glass of water. If once it's in the water it turns solid (like a candy) it's ready to be used.
Tip #2 - Right after dipping the apples and letting the extra coating drip, you can dip the apples in coconut, grind nuts, sprinkles or anything else you'd like to have on them.