As seen in Carolina Parent Magazine
When August rolls around everyone
thinks of the end of summer, going back to school and the craziness of normal
life. But did you know that August also
brings National S’mores Day? Yep, August
10th, a day dedicated to the perfect ooey gooey treat that kids and
grownups of all ages love.
S’mores are so much more than just the plain old graham
cracker, marshmallow and chocolate, although a good old fashioned s’mores will
always do the trick. If you are looking
for some fun twists on the traditional recipe, check out some of my favorite
idea:
S’mores Pudding Cup
A fun way to make a
s’mores dessert without toasting a single marshmallow is by whipping up a
s’mores pudding cup. You can keep your
pudding cup super simple by using a pudding cup, or make your own pudding and
layer it in a clear cup with graham cracker pieces and whipped cream, more chocolate
pudding and top with graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows. TIP: For
the perfect grownup treat, serve your s’mores pudding cup in a wine glass for a
fun and fancy sweet treat.
S’mores Munch
A fun s’mores munch is
the perfect make ahead treat to serve on it’s own or mixed with popcorn.
Ingredients
2 cups cinnamon graham cereal
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Spread 2 cups of cinnamon graham cereal on a lined baking sheet and
cover with 1 cup mini marshmallows and 1 cup mini chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 5 min or until chocolate
chips begin to soften. Remove from oven
and promptly toss the munch to cover all of the cereal and marshmallows with
chocolate. Allow to cool and break into bite
size pieces.
Serve your S’mores Munch in small cups or mini paper bags. TIP: S’mores munch can be stored in an
airtight container for 3-4 days.
S’more Pretzels
Think s’mores are just
for graham crackers? Think again! Instead of using graham crackers for your
s’mores, place 3 mini marshmallows in-between two twisty pretzels and dip the
pretzel marshmallow sandwich in chocolate.
Allow the chocolate to cool and harden for a perfectly popable s’mores. This will fall into the ‘you can’t eat just 1
category’. TIP: I also use gluten free pretzels to make the perfect gluten free
s’mores!
S’mores Brownie Cup
Another fun popable
s’mores comes in the form of everyone’s favorite, a brownie cup, the perfect
cross between a brownie and a cupcake. These
fabulous treats are adorable and easier to make than you’d think. Simply make
your favorite brownie mix and bake in a mini muffin tin for 2 min less than
directed so that your brownies are still ooey gooey in the center. As soon as you remove the pan from the oven,
immediately press 3 mini marshmallows in the center of each brownie cup and add
a teddy graham cookie or graham cracker stick. TIP: These adorable s’mores brownie cups look just
like a little teddy bear bubble bath and make the perfect dessert for your next
baby shower or 1st birthday party.
S’mores To Go
Believe it or not,
s’mores also make the perfect party favor and small gift for friends and family. Gather your favorite graham crackers,
marshmallows and chocolate bars and cute bags or reusable containers. Stack the chocolate bar, graham crackers and
a few marshmallows in a cute layered design and tie it up with a bow. You can even include a cute note with
directions to toast the marshmallows on top of the graham crackers in the oven
at 350 for 5 min then add the chocolate.
Now that you are armed and dangerous with fun and easy ways
to create every type of s’mores imaginable it is time to start scouring grocery
store adds and stocking up on ingredients when they are on sale. After all, most of the ingredients will stay
fresh for months in their original containers.
Whether you decide to enjoy the perfect combination of graham
cracker, marshmallow and chocolate the same why you did growing up over a
campfire, or you branch out and make S’mores Brownie Cups, make sure you
celebrate National S’mores Day! Heck, go
crazy and invite a few friends or the neighbors over for a S’mores party.
Until next time,
aka Chick #1
