Dark Chocolate Dipped Apples

Directions Wash and dry apples. Remove stems. Insert one wooden stick into the stem end of each apple. Set aside.* Place nuts and cranberries in a deep bowl; set aside. In a heavy small saucepan, melt bittersweet chocolate, semisweet chocolate, cinnamon, and, if desired, anise seed over low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Dip the bottom half of each apple into the chocolate, using a spoon to spread the mixture evenly over apple, if necessary. Allow excess chocolate mixture to drip off. Immediately dip apples into almonds and dried cranberries. Place apples, nut side down, on waxed paper for 30 minutes or until set. Discard any remaining chocolate mixture. If desired, in a heavy small saucepan melt white chocolate over low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Transfer melted chocolate to a small plastic bag. Snip a small hole in one corner of the bag. Hold apples by sticks and drizzle white chocolate over the coated portion of apples. Return apples to waxed paper and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or until white chocolate is set.