Today is National S’Mores Day. I didn’t realize that until I saw a note on a news site. I had two thoughts the moment I read the headline: first, they seem to create “National Days” for just about anything, and second, I could go for a s’more right now. The funny thing is, I don’t really love s’mores. I mean I like them, but I wouldn’t say that I would ever dream of them as my dessert of choice. I have never ordered the restaurant version of s’mores that seem to becoming popular. I have never craved them. But, whenever I see the word “s’mores” it always leads me to say, “I could go for a s’more right now.” I think what I am really wanting, though, is the s’more experience.
S’mores are one of those foods that are forever linked to a concrete memory. I love being around a campfire outdoors in the fall and roasting marshmallows. In fact, while a full s’more (and I make mine with graham crackers and only Hershey’s chocolate bars) tastes great – I typically prefer just sticking with the marshmallows. I know they have developed s’more makers so that you can make the treats in your own kitchen, but why? The whole appeal of a toasted marshmallow comes in the experience. Hearing the sounds of a campfire and watching the flames – especially feeling the warmth on a cool evening, is part of what makes it so great! I have evolved in my marshmallow toasting abilities and no longer burn them to a crisp, but instead slowly toast them to a golden brown. I can’t imagine a marshmallow tasting as good anywhere else in the world.
I can remember different campfires – at Crosspoint Camp at District Camp; family vacation in Beavercreek, Colorado; a church campout near Lake Texoma; girl scout camp in Ohio. All of them are wonderful memories and “s’mores” is just a keyword that takes me back to those times. What are your favorite campfire memories and do you have a special s’more technique that you can share?
Happy National S’Mores Day!
