August 10 is National S’mores Day. This scrumptious sandwich of gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate between crunchy crackers has been an iconic summer treat for generations. No need to wait until August to celebrate the s’more, though, here are some ideas for enjoying them all summer long.
History
No one knows the exact origin of the S’more, but the first recipe in print is from a 1927 Girl Scout publication. Since then S’mores have become synonymous with summer campout food. Now with fewer family campouts and therefore fewer campfires, modern families are experimenting with marshmallows roasted over the backyard firepit, the grill and even just softened in the microwave.
Step By Step S’mores
Ingredients:
1 graham cracker broken in half
Chocolate bar
1 or 2 large marshmallows
1. Place the marshmallows on a stick. Hold them over a campfire until they are golden brown.
2. Break off a piece of the chocolate bar and place it on one of the graham crackers.
3. Place the roasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate.
4. Layer the second graham cracker on top and squish together.
Be careful! The roasted marshmallow can be very hot.
Grown ups should always supervise the marshmallow roasting and s’mores assembly.
S’more Yummy Ideas
True, the originals s’mores are ooey, gooey, yumminess, but for a special get-together or maybe Great American Backyard Campout night on June 22, try putting a twist on the original. Here are some ideas:
Dip the melty concoction in chopped dried fruit and nuts.
Purchase gourmet flavored marshmallows online.
Instead of graham crackers, sandwich your marshmallows between chocolate chip cookies.
Add banana slices to the s’more.
Replace the chocolate bar with butterscotch or peanut butter chips.
Try making your own marshmallows.
Replace the chocolate with a smear of chocolate-hazelnut spread.
5 Questions to Ponder Around the Fire
Something about sitting around a crackling fire makes our thoughts flow. Use the time waiting for your marshmallows to roast to get to know your children better. Here are some questions to get you started:
If you could go anywhere in the universe right now where would you go and why?
What is your favorite thing about being in this family?
If you could call anyone in the world, who would it be and what would you talk to him/her about?
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be a bug or an animal?
If you could invent anything, what would it be?
