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	S'mores

See the Activities section for more instructions, hints and tips.

You might be interested in the History of the Marshmallow. How long ago do you think the marshmallow was invented? 50 years? 100 years? Then you'll be surprised!

Almost every child and adult loves this graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow dessert.

They are easy to make as the campfire is dying down.

Traditionally, s'mores are made by roasting a marshmallow on a wire. You can purchase special wires for this, but you can easily make them from a metal coat hanger.

I like to bend one end of the coat hanger into a handle and attach a piece of brightly colored ribbon or tape. This makes it easier to keep track of them especially in the dark.

But before a wire gets close to the fire go over safety with everyone. After holding the wire in the fire it will be hot. Don't touch the hot wire and don't let it touch others. Adults need to keep a close watch on the wires to keep everyone safe.

Wait until the campfire has died down. You want mostly red hot coals with a few flames. A fire that is too intense will quickly set the marshmallow on fire.

Before starting, hold the wire in the fire to burn off any paint or clean off anything that might be on there.

Put a marshmallow on the hot end of the wire and hold it over the glowing embers until it is cooked to your satisfaction.

Place a piece of chocolate bar on half a graham cracker, place the marshmallow on top of the chocolate and use the other half of the graham cracker to trap it so you can slide the wire out, making a kind of marshmallow sandwich.

Be careful of the hot wire because your attention is easily focused on the now, ready to eat s'more!

For a different flavor try cinnamon sugar covered graham crackers. Or use chocolate graham crackers if you don't want to mess with chocolate bars.

August 10 is National S'mores Day. It's curious that they would pick a day during the heat of the summer - not the best time for a campfire.

But, what if you are hungry for s'mores and don't happen to have a fire handy? Or, if it's too hot for a campfire? Here's a recipe that was given to me by Misty Clack that uses a microwave. These are great any time of year.

This makes about 18 s'mores.

Dipping chocolate can be found in craft stores and some groceries.

1. Cover the tray with wax paper.
2. Carefully break the graham crackers apart.
3. Heat the chocolate according to the directions.
4. Use the back of a spoon to put marshmallow creme on a graham cracker. Don't put on too much or it gets real messy.
5. Put a second graham cracker on top, making a sandwich.
6. Either dip one end of the graham crackers into the chocolate or use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate over all sides.
7. Lay it on the wax paper on the tray.

After you have finished, place the tray of s'mores in the refrigerator to harden.

Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.

If you want to dress the s'mores up, while the chocolate is still soft, add some sprinkles, a maraschino cherry, or a slice of strawberry on top of the chocolate.

If you have some leftover chocolate, pretzels are good dipped in chocolate.