There are few foods as quintessentially summer as the s’more. A campfire favorite that never fails to delight, even in its most basic form: graham cracker, chocolate bar (Hershey’s Milk Chocolate if you’re a purist) and a perfectly toasted marshmallow (I don’t mind a little char on mine, if I’m being honest).
This leads me to the question… can you improve upon perfection? The Internet seems to think so! Below are a few suggestions for ways to reimagine the humble s’more into a gourmet delight that is sure to impress at your next cookout.
POV: You’re a peanut butter freak.
Peanut butter makes everything better! If you agree with this sentiment, try swapping the square of milk chocolate for a perfectly placed Reese’s cup… the combination of chocolate, peanut butter and marshmallow is quite pleasing, especially when the Reese’s cup gets just a bit melty! For those with a peanut allergy, sunflower or almond butter cups would also work nicely.
Gimme the nutrients.
S’mores aren’t exactly a health food, which is why they are generally relegated to the realm of an every-once-in-awhile treat. But there are ways to aim for a better-for-you s’more. Add sliced strawberries or bananas in lieu of chocolate for a more natural source of sweetness, opt for dark instead of milk chocolate for more antioxidants and less sugar, or consider more healthful versions of the basic ingredients. For example, Dandies six-ingredient vegan marshmallows contain no artificial colors or flavors or corn syrup and Annie’s Organic Honey Graham Crackers boast 10 grams of whole grains per serving and organic ingredients.
Think outside the (graham cracker) box.
Graham crackers tend to be the foundation on which we build our s’mores, but I say anything that is flat-ish and square-ish will get the job done. Try cookies (shortbread, Oreos, Fig Newtons, Thin Mints) or if a sweet-and-salty vibe is more your thing, Pretzel Crisps or Ritz crackers! You can even build your s’more in a waffle cone if you’re feeling adventurous.
Get decadent.
Decadence for the sake of decadence! Cocoa-flavored graham crackers (or heck, chocolate-on-chocolate marshmallows) create a chocolate-lover’s delight; elevate your s’more’s middle layer with a gourmet candy bar (white chocolate with macadamia nuts or dark chocolate with caramel and sea salt sound intriguing); try a smear of Nutella atop the graham cracker; or, if it doesn’t offend your sensibilities, add a small chunk of bacon somewhere in the middle of the s’more and enjoy.
