We all know of s’mores as a campfire treat. As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a s’more is a “dessert consisting usually of toasted marshmallow and pieces of chocolate bar sandwiched between two graham crackers.” But this sweet and gooey sandwich has evolved into a flavor trend that has permeated even other types of food – from coffees to cakes and even cocktails!
s'more Trivia
- S’mores actually means “some mores.”
- The first s’mores recipe was tracked to the Girls Scouts handbook in 1927 titled, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.”
- The graham crackers were actually invented in 1829 by Sylvester Graham. This Presbyterian minister in Bound Brook, New Jersey thought of this health food to be part of a diet to help suppress sexual desire.
- According to the book S’mores Gourmet Treats for Every Occasion, use a metal rod or hanger to cook the marshmallows faster compared to a wooden one. And to make the cooking process faster and more consistent, use coals than flames!
- August 10 is the National S’mores Day in the United States!
s'more Buying Guide
Dessert and specialty shops often offer s’mores as part of their sweet menu. Restaurants and even coffee shops sometimes also have them in their dessert line up. But of course, nothing beats roasting your own marshmallows, and sandwiching it in oozing chocolate and graham crackers – ingredients which one can easily grab at the neighborhood groceries and supermarkets. S’mores kits are also widely available making it even more convenient for those sudden impromptu backyard parties or random cravings.
s'more Production & Farming in Texas
Texas has a handful of dessert and specialty shops which lets you gorge on your s’mores fix, even when not at a camping trip! And have reinvented and upgraded this campfire treat into more than just a gooey chocolate graham sandwich!
Preservatives, Additives, and Chemicals
Thinking about how delicious s’mores are, it is easy to just forget about its nutritional value, or just how much sugar it contains. Marshmallows contain different types of sugars and sweeteners, as well as artificial colors and flavors.
But with the movement going towards a healthier lifestyle, it seems gourmet s’mores are also on the horizon, with using lower-sugar or even vegan marshmallows, dark chocolate or all-natural chocolate, and whole wheat graham crackers.
Packaging
S’mores are packed in airtight and sealed packages to preserve the quality of the marshmallow as well as the crackers.
Enjoying s'mores
S’mores are staples when it comes to backyard parties, camping trips, and such! But we need not be limited to having a bonfire or a pit to have a s’mores party. S’mores recipes using the oven, a microwave, a charcoal or gas grill, and even the stove!
The s’mores have also gone beyond the classic marshmallow and chocolate flavors! There are bacon s’mores, cookie butter s’mores, and even fruit s’mores with berries or watermelons, bananas, and more!
And if you’ve been bitten by the s’mores bug and you can’t get enough of it? There are s’mores cereals, s’mores bagels and English muffins, s’mores flavored ice cream, and get this, even s’mores martinis!
Storage
Though it’s hard to imagine that s’mores aren’t immediately consumed (with them being oh so tasty!) it is best to properly store the marshmallows, the chocolates, as well as the graham crackers properly so you will always have that easy go-to stash for a s’mores fix!
Transfer marshmallows from opened packs to a Ziploc or sealed container and kept in the freezer. It must not be packed too tight as the marshmallows will be squished together. There are also several suggestions such as putting a piece of white bread inside the marshmallow pack to keep it fresh and away from moisture, which the bread absorbs! Another tip is to sprinkle cornstarch or a dash of powdered sugar on the marshmallow, keep it on a sealed container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Just like any crackers, the graham crackers must be tightly sealed and kept away from air and moisture to keep it from going soft and stale. It is said that graham crackers can keep up from about a month or two at room temperature, or even up to 3 months if frozen!
Chocolates must be stored in a cool, dry place, and not necessarily in the refrigerator! Chocolates tend to absorb odors, and can absorb the moisture inside the refrigerator. This moisture will cause sugars in the chocolate to rise to the surface and change to a milky color. If it can’t be helped, make sure the chocolates are in an airtight container when putting on the fridge, and let it rest up until it comes up to room temperature before eating or cooking with it.
S’mores party at home
The Food Network shares “the perfect classic s’more” recipe! And it is so easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 8 sheets honey graham crackers
- 1 4.4oz bar – milk chocolate, broken into 8 pieces
- Kosher salt
- 8 large marshmallows
Instructions
- Heat the grill into medium-low heat
- Divide each graham cracker sheet crosswise, making it into two squares. Place a square of the graham cracker on a piece of foil then top it with a portion of the chocolate and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Place this on the edge of the grill until the chocolate softens, or about 30 seconds.
- Using a long fork or metal skewer, hold the marshmallow over the heat. Toast and turn occasionally until it puffs and turns golden brown, or about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sandwich the toasted marshmallow between the graham square with chocolate and the plain graham square, while pulling it off the skewer or fork.
- Eat immediately while warm and gooey!
