Every year, on August 10th, sweet treat enthusiasts and campers alike come together to celebrate National S'mores Day. This beloved holiday is dedicated to the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow delight known as s'mores. A quintessential part of American camping culture, s'mores have been a favorite around campfires for decades.
Whether you're an avid camper or someone who simply enjoys indulging in sweet treats, National S'mores Day is the perfect excuse to savor this classic dessert.
In this article, we'll explore the origins of National S'mores Day, who celebrates it, and provide you with five delightful ways to join in the fun. Plus, stick around for three must-try s'mores recipes at the end!
What is National S'mores Day?
National S'mores Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the iconic campfire treat that has become a staple in American culture. The word "s'more" is a contraction of the phrase "some more," aptly describing the irresistible nature of this delectable dessert.
Traditionally, a s'more consists of a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers. The combination of gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is hard to resist.
The exact origins of s'mores are somewhat unclear, but they are believed to have been created by the Girl Scouts in the early 20th century. The first published recipe for "Some More" appeared in the 1927 Girl Scout handbook, "Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts."
Since then, s'mores have become a beloved treat for campers and outdoor enthusiasts across the United States. National S'mores Day was established to honor this classic dessert and to encourage people to enjoy it with family and friends.
When is National S'mores Day?
National S'mores Day is celebrated annually on August 10th. This day is dedicated to enjoying the classic campfire treat that has become a beloved part of American culture. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows around a campfire or indulging in s’mores-inspired desserts, August is the perfect time to savor this gooey, chocolatey delight and create sweet memories with friends and family.
Who Celebrates National S'mores Day?
National S'mores Day is celebrated by a diverse group of people, from families and friends to campers and dessert lovers. It's a day when everyone, regardless of age, can come together to enjoy the simple pleasure of making and eating s'mores.
Campers and outdoor enthusiasts often celebrate by making s'mores around a campfire, while those at home can get creative with indoor methods. Schools, community centers, and even businesses may organize s'mores-themed events to mark the occasion.
The holiday also resonates with those who appreciate the nostalgia and tradition associated with s'mores. For many, making s'mores is a cherished childhood memory, evoking a sense of warmth and togetherness.
National S'mores Day provides an opportunity to relive those memories and create new ones with loved ones. It's a day to celebrate the joy of indulging in a simple yet delicious treat that has stood the test of time.
5 Ways to Celebrate National S'mores Day
1. Traditional Campfire S'mores
The classic way to celebrate National S'mores Day is by making traditional campfire s'mores. Gather around a campfire with your friends and family, and enjoy the process of roasting marshmallows over the open flame. Once the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey, sandwich them between graham crackers and a piece of chocolate. The heat from the marshmallow will melt the chocolate, creating a deliciously messy treat.
If you don't have access to a campfire, a backyard fire pit or even a portable stove can work just as well.
2. Indoor S'mores
No campfire? No problem! You can still enjoy s'mores indoors using your oven, microwave, or stovetop. For oven s'mores, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place graham cracker halves on a baking sheet, top with a piece of chocolate and a marshmallow, and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are soft and gooey. Top with another graham cracker half and press gently.
For microwave s'mores, assemble your s'more on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 10-15 seconds, watching carefully to avoid overcooking. On the stovetop, you can use a gas burner or a s'mores-making kit designed for indoor use.
3. S'mores Variations
Get creative with your s'mores by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Try using flavored graham crackers, such as chocolate or cinnamon, or swap out the milk chocolate for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter cups. Add a slice of banana, a strawberry, or a dollop of caramel or hazelnut spread for an extra layer of flavor.
You can also try making s'mores with different types of cookies, such as chocolate chip cookies or ginger snaps, for a unique twist on the classic treat.
4. S'mores Desserts
Incorporate the flavors of s'mores into other desserts for a fun and delicious twist. Make s'mores brownies by adding a layer of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to your favorite brownie recipe before baking. Create a s'mores cheesecake by adding a graham cracker crust, a layer of chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallows on top.
S'mores cupcakes, s'mores bars, and s'mores ice cream are other delightful options to try. These desserts are perfect for parties and gatherings, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of s'mores in a new and exciting way.
5. S'mores-Themed Party
Host a s'mores-themed party to celebrate National S'mores Day with a group of friends or family. Set up a s'mores bar with various ingredients, such as different types of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows, as well as fun add-ins like fruits, nuts, and spreads. Provide skewers for roasting marshmallows and encourage guests to get creative with their s'mores combinations.
Decorate your space with campfire-inspired decor, and consider playing classic camping games or sharing stories around a fire pit. A s'mores-themed party is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the company of loved ones.
3 Must-Try S'mores Recipes!
1. Classic Campfire S'mores
Ingredients:
Graham crackers
Marshmallows
Milk chocolate bars
Instructions:
Build a campfire and let it burn down until you have a bed of hot coals.
Skewer a marshmallow on a long stick or roasting skewer.
Hold the marshmallow over the coals, rotating slowly until it is golden brown and gooey.
Place a piece of chocolate on a graham cracker half.
Place the toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate, then sandwich with another graham cracker half.
Press gently, allowing the heat from the marshmallow to melt the chocolate slightly.
Enjoy your classic campfire s'more!
2. S'mores Dip
Ingredients:
1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
1 cup mini marshmallows
Graham crackers for dipping
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In an oven-safe dish, spread the chocolate chips in an even layer.
Top with an even layer of mini marshmallows.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate is melted.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Serve with graham crackers for dipping. Scoop up the gooey chocolate and marshmallow mixture with the graham crackers.
Enjoy this delightful twist on the classic s'more!
3. Peanut Butter S'mores Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish to form the crust.
Spread the peanut butter evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the peanut butter layer.
Top with an even layer of mini marshmallows.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate is melted.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Enjoy these delicious peanut butter s'mores bars as a fun and tasty alternative to traditional s'mores!
These three must-try s'mores recipes offer a variety of ways to enjoy the classic flavors of s'mores, whether you're by a campfire, in your kitchen, or looking for a creative twist.
Final Thoughts
National S'mores Day is a delightful celebration of a beloved treat that has brought joy to generations. Whether you prefer the traditional method of making s'mores around a campfire or enjoy experimenting with new variations and desserts, there are countless ways to celebrate this special day.
Gather your friends and family, embrace the nostalgia, and indulge in the gooey, chocolatey goodness of s'mores. As you savor each bite, you'll be reminded of the simple pleasures that make life sweet.
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