Learning S’more about S’mores
When summer campfires come out, there’s only one treat on everyone’s mind—making s’mores. Whether you’re on a cross-country RV trip, a hiking getaway, or camping in your backyard, it just doesn’t get any better than roasted marshmallows with chocolate over a campfire. Let’s learn the history and how to make smores!
The history of s’mores
No one knows exactly who invented s’mores – perhaps they descended directly from Heaven. The earliest recorded recipe for s’mores is in the 1927 Girl Scouts’ guidebook, Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. And a s’more does seem like exactly the kind of gooey snack a group of young scouts would invent while on a camping trip. The original recipe for “some more” notes that each sandwich should be made with two graham crackers, two marshmallows, and one bar of chocolate. It also states that “though it tastes like ‘some more’ one is really enough.” Agree to disagree.
Tips for making the perfect s’more
The perfect s’more is largely a matter of taste. Just don’t go losing any friendships over fights between “just toasted” and “burnt to a crisp” factions! If you want to know how to make smore’s professional-grade , you can follow the advice laid out by the National Marshmallow Roasters Institute (apparently a real thing):
· Use a sharpened stick, barbecue fork, metal clothes hanger, or specially-designed skewer
· While one marshmallow is great, use two marshmallows for the perfect s’more
· Toast your marshmallow over a low fire or hot coals for best results
· Hold your marshmallow 1-3 inches over the flame or coals
· Rotate your marshmallow when one side browns (the NMRI recommends one full rotation every 5.25 seconds)
· Use your graham crackers to gentle pull the marshmallow off the end of the stick
· It’s probably best to avoid roasting your marshmallow over a volcano
Delicious s’mores variations
While you can never go wrong with a classic s’more, you can also use this campfire treat as a launching board for your culinary creativity. We’ve learned that everybody has a special way to roast their marshmallow. Check out some of these fun ideas for s’mores that aren’t a s’nore.
· S’mores PB&J If you’ve ever enjoyed a peanut butter and fluff sandwich, this take on s’mores is for you. Simply coat one graham cracker with peanut butter and the other with your favorite jam, then wedge your newly toasted marshmallow in the middle.
· Strawberry Shortcake S’mores More of a biscuit person that a graham cracker person? Try sandwiching your marshmallow between a classic biscuit or shortbread, layered with sliced strawberries and chocolate (Nutella also works).
· Bananas ‘more Foster This twist on bananas foster uses a marshmallow to give you the taste of caramelization. Slice your banana and transfer it to a bowl, or nestle it right in the peel. Crumble a graham cracker over the top, add your marshmallow(s), and drizzle with chocolate sauce. It’s the campfire version of a banana split.
· Irish S’mores Having an adults-only campout? Try dipping your marshmallows (or the whole s’more) in some Bailey’s Irish Cream.
· S’mores Cookie Sandwich Want to level up your s’mores? Try replacing the graham crackers with a pair of chocolate chip cookies.
· Lemony S’mores Craving a lemon meringue pie? Try subbing out the chocolate with some lemon curd. You could even add raspberry jam on the other side for a full-on fruity s’more’s creation.
· S’mores Nachos This is a great crowd-pleasing recipe you can make at
home or over the campfire. If you’re camping, you can use a foil tin. At home, a cast iron skillet in the oven works perfectly. All you need to do is break your graham crackers into pieces, layer then in your pan with marshmallows (think lasagna), then sprinkle generously with chocolate chips. And if you want to add a drizzle of Nutella on top, we won’t stop you. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are toasty, and enjoy. We recommend leaving out some extra graham crackers for scooping.
