Sticky, Gooey Fun
By Silvana Clark
What would camp be without sticky-faced campers enjoying s’mores? In the never-ending quest to be creative and innovative, why not let campers experience these fun variations on the traditional roasted-marshmellow-smashed-between-Hershey’s-chocolate-and-two-graham-crackers?
Mini-S’mores
Is it raining on your campfire? No problem. Bring campers indoors to make mini-s’mores. Use Teddy Graham bears instead of regular graham crackers. On tables, set out an assortment of teddy bear crackers, miniature marshmallows and small pieces of thin chocolate. Here’s the twist. Have several votive candles at each table, along with toothpicks. Campers poke their toothpicks in the marshmallows and slowly roast them over the candle flame. Don’t worry, most kids are so cautious, they don’t even get their marshmallows near the flame.
How About Breakfast S’mores?
Let campers toast bagels, add a piece of chocolate, some banana slices and top with a dollop of marshmallow cream. OK, it’s not the healthiest but is it any different from a chocolate chip pancake doused in syrup?
Crunch S’mores
As campers sit around a campfire, let them roast marshmallows and place them between two chocolate chip cookies or chocolate-covered graham crackers.
S’more On A Stick
Get a group of campers to crush graham crackers to a fine pulp. It’s best to put crackers in a re-sealable bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Set out bowls of crushed graham crackers, marshmallows, small pretzel sticks and bowls of melted chocolate chips. Poke the pretzel sticks in the marshmallows. Roll the marshmallows in the melted chocolate and then in the crumbs. Let harden on a piece of waxed paper.
Shiny S’mores
Assemble s’mores the traditional way without roasting the marshmallows. The campers place the chocolate and marshmallow between two graham crackers. Wrap in foil. Use a permanent marker so campers can label their s’mores. Place over a grill and let the heat slowly melt the chocolate and marshmallows. Remove tin foil carefully.
S’more Gorp
Use the basic ingredients for s’mores to make a fun snack. Mix:
2 cups honey-coated cereal
1 1/2 cup granola
½ cup any type “square” cereal
2 tablespoons margarine
1 ½ tablespoons honey
Mix ingredients and bake at 275 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.
Add:
½ cup dried fruit like raisins or cranberries
½ cup chocolate chips
¾ cup miniature marshmallows
Stir well and serve as a s’more snack.
Microwave Magic S’mores
Well, it’s not really magic, but if you have a small group of campers, here’s an easy way to make s’mores indoors.
Spread marshmallow crème on one side of the graham crackers. Top with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Cover with the other cracker and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Make sure the marshmallow cream is not too hot.
Baked S’mores
Yes, you can even make s’mores in the oven. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Simply place graham crackers in the bottom of a baking pan. Sprinkle with miniature marshmallows so the crackers are evenly covered. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and then another layer of marshmallows.
Bake 8-10 minutes until marshmallows are slightly brown.
Let cool slightly and cut into pieces. Best eaten when warm.
Minty S’Mores
Sometimes a traditional s’more just needs a boost in flavor. Give campers graham crackers and marshmallows. Instead of using a regular chocolate bar, use thin Andes mints as a special treat.
Silvana Clark has over 20 years experience helping thousands of children create arts and crafts projects. She presents keynotes and workshops on a variety of recreation-related subjects. Silvana can be reached at (615) 662-7432 or via e-mail at silvanac@msn.com.