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Happy National S’mores Day

The history of s’mores, short for “some more,” is a bit elusive, but it’s closely tied to the development of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Here’s a comprehensive overview of their evolution:

Marshmallows:

  • Ancient Egyptians used marshmallow root sap mixed with honey to create a confection with a texture similar to marshmallows.
  • By the 19th century, French confectioners were whipping marshmallow sap with egg whites and sugar, creating a lighter, foamy treat.
  • In the late 1800s, the process of making marshmallows was refined, replacing the sap with gelatin. This made them more accessible to mass production.

Graham Crackers:

  • In the early 19th century, Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham developed a whole wheat cracker as part of his emphasis on a wholesome diet.
  • The crackers became known as “Graham crackers,” and their taste and texture made them ideal for layering with other ingredients.

Chocolate:

  • Solid chocolate bars started becoming popular in the mid-19th century, following advancements in chocolate production technology.
  • The early 20th century saw the development of Hershey’s chocolate bars, making chocolate more readily available to the general public.

Emergence of S’mores:

  • The first recorded recipe resembling s’mores appeared in the 1927 publication “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.”
  • The recipe called the treat “Some More” and was included in the “Outdoor Cookery” section, suggesting that it had become a popular campfire treat among Girl Scouts.
  • The recipe recommended roasting marshmallows over the campfire until they were golden, then sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate.

Rise in Popularity:

  • The easy preparation and delicious taste of s’mores contributed to their popularity among campers, both young and old.
  • Over the years, variations emerged, including the use of different types of chocolate, flavored marshmallows, and even adding peanut butter or fruit.

Cultural Impact:

  • S’mores became a staple of camping culture and outdoor gatherings, often enjoyed around campfires or grills.
  • They’re also a cherished part of Americana, featured in movies, TV shows, and books, further cementing their status as a beloved treat.

The history of s’mores is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a beloved culinary tradition that continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

Here’s a classic s’mores recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • Graham crackers (broken in half)
  • Marshmallows
  • Milk chocolate bars (broken into squares)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare your campfire, grill, or stove for toasting marshmallows. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch indoors.
  2. Take one graham cracker half and place a square of chocolate on it.
  3. Toast a marshmallow over the campfire, grill, stove, or using a kitchen torch. Hold it on a skewer or long stick and rotate it until it’s golden brown and gooey on the inside.
  4. Place the toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate square.
  5. Top the marshmallow with the other graham cracker half, pressing down gently to create a sandwich.
  6. Allow the heat from the marshmallow to melt the chocolate slightly before taking a bite.
  7. Enjoy your classic s’mores!

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different types of chocolate (like white or dark chocolate), flavored marshmallows, and even adding extras like peanut butter or sliced fruit for unique variations of this timeless treat.

Here’s an elevated gourmet s’mores recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • High-quality dark chocolate squares (70% cocoa or higher)
  • Homemade vanilla bean marshmallows (or gourmet flavored marshmallows)
  • Freshly baked almond biscotti or shortbread cookies
  • Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries
  • Sprinkle of edible gold dust (optional, for extra flair)

Instructions:

  1. Toast the marshmallows to perfection over an open flame or using a kitchen torch until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized.
  2. Place a square of high-quality dark chocolate on one half of the biscotti or shortbread cookie. You can also melt the chocolate slightly by placing it on the warm marshmallow.
  3. Carefully slide the toasted marshmallow onto the chocolate-covered biscotti or shortbread.
  4. Add a few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on top of the marshmallow.
  5. Gently press the other half of the biscotti or shortbread cookie on top to create a sandwich.
  6. If desired, sprinkle a tiny amount of edible gold dust on the top of the s’mores for a touch of elegance.
  7. Enjoy your gourmet s’mores creation while the marshmallow is still warm and gooey, allowing the chocolate to slightly melt.
  8. Pair with a cup of gourmet hot chocolate or a fine dessert wine for an indulgent experience.

This gourmet s’mores recipe takes the classic combination to the next level with high-quality ingredients and a creative twist, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or simply to satisfy your refined palate.

Here’s a s’mores cookie recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
  7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
  8. Press a few mini marshmallows onto the top of each cookie dough mound.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The marshmallows should be slightly toasted.
  10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once the cookies are completely cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

These s’mores cookies combine the flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into a delightful baked treat. Perfect for satisfying your s’mores cravings without needing a campfire!

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