Not Your Mama’s S’mores
A couple twists on the old classic.
Let’s face it, if you haven’t had a s’more at least once in your life I think legally you’re allowed to sue the universe. This classic camping staple is just pure sugar: graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate. There is no nutritional value to this snack and why should there be!
But sometimes we want to experiment, but not in a way that makes us question your life choices like your college roommate when she got that tattoo of Homer Simpson as The Rock on her butt. You can never regret a good dessert, so try some of these and let us know which one you liked best!
The Basic:
Ingredients:
Graham crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate of your choice.
Toast that marshmallow to gooey perfect over the fire. If you’re fancy you can leave your cracker and chocolate nearby to start getting all melty. Once you’ve either taken the slow and steady route to the Absolutely Perfect golden brown marshmallow, or if you’re a true heathen and just stick your puffy sugar into the fire and watch it burn like the hopes and dreams of children when learn Santa doesn’t exist, shove it on that cracker and remember that your enjoyment means you’re probably going to look like a mess so let that choco-mallow perfect ooze over your hands and deal with the disaster later.
The “I Have a Gluten Intolerance”
Look, we all have that one person who got the short end of the stick right? Doesn’t mean they should miss out. Through some trial and error I have found the best tasting alternatives for those of your crew with a sensitive tummy. As always, chocolate is up to personal preference.
Gluten Free Graham Crackers:
https://www.kinnikinnick.com/gluten-free-smoreables-graham-style-crackers
Vegan Marshmallows:
I know, I KNOW, I said the ‘V’ word, but I’ll be honest…these are better than normal marshmallows.
The Mint Chocolate Melody:
There are two types of people in the world: People who like mint-chip ice cream, and people who are wrong. There are a ton of mint chocolate candy bars in the world just waiting to be married to a marshmallow. So whether it’s Aero, After Eight, or Cadbury, treat yourself to some minty majesty.
The Hot Pepper Challenge
This one isn’t going to be for everyone, but hey maybe you’ll get a funny TikTok out of it! Try a spicy chocolate bar at your next cookout. You’ll either love it or hate it.
The Up to Eleven
Oh yeah, we’re getting weird here. We’re ditching the graham crackers and making this a breakfast fit for a psychic preteen! Toast some Eggo waffles over the fire or hey, you have a camper? Toaster if you’re playing it safe. Top those waffles with chocolate and gooey marshmallows and let your inner child free from the Upside Down.
Warning: may cause fashion regression to the 80s and the urge to play Dungeons and Dragons.
The Kid in a Candy Store
Still not enough sugar in your system? Really, you can replace the chocolate with any of your favorite candy bars. Get weird with it, who are we to judge?
- Reese’s peanut butter cups
- Caramilk bars
- Snickers
- Coffee Crisp
- Bounty (however, if this is your favorite, I don’t think we can be friends)
Banana Boats:
This one requires a bit more prep, you’ll need:
- Banana
- Tinfoil
- Chocolate
- Marshmallows
- Graham crackers
- Sharp knife
- Patience
This one is more of a dipping or scooping scenario (bring a spoon!). Cut your banana from top to bottom, but not all the way through so now you have a little banana pocket. Stuff it with the goods: marshmallows and chocolate, then wrap tightly in tin foil and place near or over the fire for a while until the banana is soft and the choco-mallow melty. Carefully (CAREFULLY! It’s hot metal! Don’t go winning any Darwin awards) unwrap the banana and either scoop the yumminess out with a spoon or use a graham cracker. It’s great to prep before dinner and cook while you eat.
The Breakfast of Champions:
Okay, you’re sick of chocolate bars. Of course. So try some spreads! You’ll probably have them already in the pantry, why not break them out! Peanut butter or nutella will add a fun change, and if you feel like it, add a banana. Then you can at least claim you had some fruit for dessert.
Finally, the Fancy Fruit
Yup, I said it again. Fruit. In this case, berries. Fresh or frozen, maybe roasted in the oven (I said what I said) but you don’t have to get too elaborate. Elevate the s’more by topping it with chocolate’s other best friend: berries. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries. Have you ever stuck chocolate in a strawberry and then roasted it over the fire? I can’t promise it won’t be messy, but man will it be an experience.
So whether you’re a s’mores scientist, or a bring-only-the-basics, there are many options to fill that fireside void. Remember, a good camper always has an emergency stash of chocolate and marshmallows. It’s just good sense.
