S'more

S'more roasted in a wire basket over a campfire

A s'more is a traditional nighttime campfire treat popular in the United States and Canada, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. I just had one and it was delicious!

Etymology and origins

S'more appears to be a contraction of the phrase, "some more". While the origin of the dessert is unclear, the first recorded version of the recipe can be found in the publication "Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts" of 1927. It is unknown whether the Girl Scouts were the first to make and enjoy s'mores, but there appears to be no earlier claim to this snack. Although it is unknown when the name was shortened, recipes for "Some Mores" are in various Girl Scout publications until at least 1971.

Preparation

A picnic basket filled with supplies for making s'mores

S'mores are associated with recreational camping. Part of the enjoyment of this simple dessert is the way in which it is made on such camping trips. A marshmallow is skewered on the end of a long stick (or metallic skewer) and held just above a campfire until its outer surface starts to brown. Once heated, the inside of the marshmallow becomes soft or molten. The marshmallow is quickly pinched off its stick with the waiting graham crackers, one of which has a piece of chocolate on it. Ideally, the heat from the roasted marshmallow partially melts the chocolate. However, some people assemble the entire s'more on the stick and cook it all at once to ensure that the chocolate will melt. Peanut butter can be added to the mix for additional flavor, either between a graham cracker and the chocolate piece or between the chocolate piece and the marshmallow. Keeping the graham crackers and chocolate near the campfire can help melt the chocolate.

Making s'mores in this manner is so popular in the United States that supermarkets often carry graham crackers, marshmallows, and large chocolate bars in the same shelf section during the summer months. In recent years S'More Kits for assembly on the kitchen table at home have been sold at housewares stores. These consist of a small heating element to cook the marshmallow, metal skewers and a lazy susan to hold the raw ingredients. These are similar to fondue sets. Different items sold as s'mores may be found in restaurants, prepared at home, or even bought ready-made. These confections usually contain the three ingredients of graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow, but they are not necessarily heated or served in the same shape as the traditional s'more.

S'more made with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and marshmallow between graham crackers

The popularity of s'mores has led to the flavor being used in product development of other foodstuffs; Pop-Tarts now feature a s'mores variety that has a graham cracker crust, chocolate icing, and chocolate & marshmallow-flavored filling.

An alternative method for preparing the s'more is by heating the entire object in the microwave. Advantages of this method include the speed, relative ease of preparation, and the increased amount of melted chocolate.

See also

• Moon pie
• Banana boat
• Hershey's S'mores
• S'mores Grahams