Insert a wooden craft stick into the bottom of each apple
Butter a baking sheet and set aside
Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat
Heat, without stirring, to 270 to 290 degrees F (132 to 143 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard but pliable threads
Remove from heat and stir in candies and food coloring until just mixed
Holding each apple by its stick, quickly twirl in syrup, tilting pan to cover apple
Lift out of syrup, turning to allow drips to adhere to apple
Place apples on prepared baking sheet to cool completely