How to make the most perfect s’mores ever
While there are a lot of wonderful things to eat in the great outdoors, s’mores have to be near the top of the list.
This story was originally featured on Field & Stream.
S’mores, those delicious campfire treats most of us enjoyed during our childhood, are just as popular as ever. In fact, s’mores aren’t just for kids—they’re for anyone who loves chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. But if you just happen to pull out those ingredients the next time you’re sitting around a campfire with your family, you’re sure to put a big smile on some small faces. Whether you call them s’mores or their original name, “some mores,” one thing’s for certain: Roast a marshmallow and put it and some milk chocolate between a couple of graham crackers, and you’ll likely want “some more” after the first one is gone! Here’s how to do it right.
Pick the right ingredients
Hershey’s
To make the perfect s’mores, the first thing you need is just the right ingredients. Marshmallows are available from many different manufacturers and all taste basically the same. Some, however, now come in flattened squares to fit perfectly on graham crackers when making s’mores. A wide variety of graham cracker brands will also do the trick, but make sure they’re fresh and plenty crispy. A soggy graham cracker can ruin your treat. While chocolate lovers tend to have their favorite brand, it’s hard to beat the plain Hershey’s bars most people grew up eating. If you’re a peanut butter lover, try substituting a mini Reese’s cup for the chocolate in your next s’mores. Caramel lovers can do the same with a Rolo or two, making a caramel s’mores treat.
Get yourself some roasting sticks
Ajmyonsp
Most Americans probably remember wandering around the campground as a child, looking for the perfect stick for roasting wieners and marshmallows. Get one that’s too short, and you’d burn your hands. A stick that was too long wouldn’t give you enough control, resulting in your marshmallow or wiener covered in ashes. A dry stick was liable to burn through before you were done roasting your prize, and a stick that was too green often resulted in s’mores with a sappy taste. A good set of marshmallow roasting sticks will ensure the control you need every time, without burning your hands or dropping your treat into the ashes. They also make it less likely you’ll poke a camping partner’s eye out trying to control a five-foot long stick while making s’mores or roasting wieners.
Skip the firewood
Nostalgia
While making s’mores over a campfire is the preferred method, you don’t have to have a campfire to make the tasty treat. Marshmallows can be grilled just as easily over your patio fireplace or chiminea. Also, many s’mores lovers make this tasty treat in their microwave ovens. One popular recipe calls for placing one graham cracker square on a paper plate or paper towel. Put your chocolate on the graham cracker, then place your marshmallow on the chocolate. After microwaving for about 15 seconds or until the marshmallow puffs up, remove it and place the other graham cracker square on top. If microwaving s’mores doesn’t sound good to you, some companies even make specialized machines that allow you to have your favorite treat anytime and anywhere, regardless of weather.