We’re already more than a month into summer. It’s hard to believe, especially considering how different the end of school year looked from what we’re used to. For my family, the end of school kind of blended in to the beginning of summer. Now that it’s July, it really FEELS like summer. And nothing says summer more than fun s’more recipes and tips!
Classic Summer Treat
When I was a kid, my family spent a good amount of time out camping. We almost always went on a week-long camping trip and many shorter weekend trips. On every trip, my dad’s favorite spot was next to the fire with his poking stick and a bag of peanuts. I’m pretty sure it’s still one of his favorite spots. I loved to sit by him and roast marshmallows. I’m a “burn it to a crisp, slide the burnt shell off to eat, then burn it again” kind of marshmallow roaster. That is, unless I’m making a s’more. Then, I have to get the marshmallow juuuuuuust golden and melty so that I can smoosh it between those lovely graham crackers and chocolate.
Yum. S’mores. As a kid, I could eat, like, fifty in a setting (okay… I’m exaggerating. But I did love them). As an adult, that much sugar makes me feel like my face is going to melt off. I still enjoy them, but I’ve felt like I need a tastier or more sophisticated way to enjoy this king of the summer treats. I also feel like my kids need more variety. I’ve come up with a few alternatives to the standard that you can do on your next camping trip (or in your backyard fire pit, over the stove burner, in the oven, or even in the microwave)!
S’more with a Twist
The classic s’more is simple in its construction, which makes variation to taste easy and fun. The only thing that always stays the same for me is the marshmallow.
Ways to change it up:
The Chocolate:
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- If you don’t love basic milk chocolate, you can use a dark chocolate bar instead.
- A Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup makes an awesome salty, sweet treat.
- Enjoy that cool mint flavor? Use a peppermint patty.
- I bet you can think of other great candy options that could take the place of the chocolate bar.
The Graham:
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- Use a fudge stripe cookie. (And forego the chocolate bar. Or not. Your call. No judgment here.)
- A shortbread cookie is also an interesting alternative. It’s still sweet, but buttery and a little more substantial.
- Vanilla wafers make a fun mini s’more experience!
- Go extreme and use chocolate chip or m&m cookies.
- Stepping in a less sweet direction, you can use Ritz crackers. The salty, buttery, crumbly crunch is perfect with chocolate and marshmallow!
- If you just want variation in your graham, choose a chocolate or cinnamon flavor instead of the basic honey.
Extras:
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- Peanut butter, Nutella, or various nut butters smeared on top of the chocolate bar can change the entire treat.
- Fruit such as sliced bananas or strawberries can lighten it up a bit. I enjoy sliced bananas with dark chocolate and marshmallow on a Ritz cracker!
- You can also go fancy and just add a sprinkle of sea salt to help balance that sweet.
Cones! You can make s’mores cones. They’re a pretty straightforward concept. Fill an ice cream cone (any kind, but I prefer sugar) with your s’more basics, wrap it in tin foil, then warm it over the fire (or in the grill or oven). I won’t dive too deep into this because there are even MORE options here – all the varieties of baking chips, fruits, and nut butters apply here.
S’more Dip Recipe
If you want to make this a fun party treat, a s’mores dip is a fairly quick and easy one to do!
Supplies & Ingredients
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- Chocolate chips or other candy (like mini Reese’s or Rolos)
- Mini marshmallows
- Graham crackers, cookies, or crackers of choice (or a variety!)
Directions
A cast iron skillet is the best vessel (it heats and distributes heat evenly) but you can use any type of baking dish. Preheat your skillet (or other dish) in a 450 degree oven. When preheated, put 2 tablespoons of butter in the bottom and swirl to melt. Pour in evenly your chocolate chip (or candy – I like mini Reese’s or Rolos). I always eyeball it – cover the bottoms completely and evenly. Top with mini marshmallows (or halved large). Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted to your liking. You’ll need to watch closely as they can burn! Allow to sit for 5 minutes out of the oven to make sure everything has melted. Then dip your graham crackers (or cookie or cracker of choice). Simple and delicious!
There are even more options out there to make s’mores your own. If you can think it, I say go ahead and try it. If it doesn’t turn out, at least you still know the standard and can always come back to it. I love watching my kids come up with something new. They’re actually the ones that convinced me to try a banana s’more!
So get your ingredients ready, plan a fun family game around the campfire, and enjoy!
Do you or your kids have more ideas? Share with us in the comments!
