Gourmet S’mores: A Delightful Twist on a Campfire Classic

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about the classic s’more. The simple combination of a toasted marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers and a square of melted chocolate has been a beloved treat for generations of campers and backyard adventurers alike.

However, as our culinary horizons expand, it’s only natural to seek out elevated versions of our favorite childhood indulgences. Enter the gourmet s’more – a decadent and artisanal take on this beloved fireside snack.

The Evolution of S’mores

The first official recipe for a s’more was published in the 1927 Girl Scout guidebook, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” under the name “Some More.” The name “s’more” is a contraction of the phrase “some more,” reflecting the irresistible desire for a second helping of this sweet treat. Over the decades, s’mores have become a quintessential part of camping trips, summer evenings, and any occasion where a cozy fire and good company come together.

While the traditional s’more is undoubtedly delicious in its simplicity, the rise of gourmet food culture has inspired culinary enthusiasts to reimagine this classic with artisanal ingredients and innovative flavors.

From homemade graham crackers and marshmallows to decadent chocolate ganaches, the possibilities for elevating the humble s’more are endless.

Homemade Graham Crackers: A Crispy, Flavorful Foundation

One of the key components of a gourmet s’more is the graham cracker. While store-bought varieties certainly have their place, homemade graham crackers offer a level of flavor and texture that simply can’t be replicated. This recipe combines all-purpose and whole wheat flours, creating a delightful nutty undertone and a satisfying crunch. The addition of brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey lends a warm, caramelized depth that perfectly complements the other components of the s’more.

The process of making homemade graham crackers may seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. By cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients and incorporating the wet ingredients, a rich, buttery dough comes together with ease. Rolling and cutting the dough into individual crackers allows for precise portioning, ensuring a consistent and visually appealing final product.

If you are looking for a quicker, easier recipe for s’mores, try these Walking S’mores from Walking on Sunshine.

Artisanal Marshmallows: A Fluffy, Gooey Delight

While store-bought marshmallows have their charms, there’s something truly special about homemade marshmallows. These pillowy confections are made with just a few simple ingredients – gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla – but the result is a marshmallow unlike any you’ve tasted before.

The process of making homemade marshmallows is a culinary art in itself. The gelatin is first bloomed in cold water, allowing it to absorb moisture and become activated. Then, a sugar syrup is cooked to the precise temperature before being slowly incorporated into the gelatin mixture. As the mixture is whipped, it transforms into a light, airy foam that’s both delicate and sturdy.

Once set and cut into squares, these homemade marshmallows are dusted with powdered sugar, creating a delightful contrast of textures. When toasted over an open flame, these artisanal marshmallows take on a beautiful golden hue and develop a delightfully gooey interior, making them the perfect filling for a gourmet s’more.

Decadent Chocolate Ganache: A Rich, Indulgent Finish

No s’more would be complete without chocolate, and in the realm of gourmet s’mores, a simple square of milk chocolate simply won’t do. Instead, we turn to a rich, velvety chocolate ganache – a luxurious combination of high-quality dark chocolate and heavy cream.

The process of making a chocolate ganache is deceptively simple yet yields incredible results. By heating the cream and pouring it over the chopped chocolate, the mixture comes together with minimal effort, creating a luscious, glossy texture that’s sure to impress.

In this recipe, we’ve opted for a 70% dark chocolate, which provides a depth of flavor and subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the homemade marshmallows. For an added touch of sophistication, a hint of espresso powder can be incorporated, enhancing the chocolate’s natural richness and complexity.

Assembling the Gourmet S’mores

With all the components prepared, the final step is to assemble these gourmet s’mores. First, toast the homemade marshmallows over an open flame until they achieve that perfect golden-brown hue and delightfully melty interior. Then, sandwich the toasted marshmallow between two homemade graham crackers, with a generous smear of the decadent chocolate ganache acting as the final layer of indulgence.

For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding a thin layer of peanut butter or hazelnut spread to the graham crackers before assembling. The nutty flavors will complement the rich chocolate and provide an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Alternatively, for a fun twist on the traditional flavor profile, consider using flavored marshmallows, such as peppermint or caramel. These unique flavors can add an unexpected and delightful element to your gourmet s’mores.

Savor the Moment

As you bite into your homemade gourmet s’more, take a moment to appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The crisp, buttery graham cracker provides a sturdy foundation for the pillowy, toasted marshmallow and the velvety chocolate ganache. Each bite is a delightful journey, transporting you back to childhood memories of campfires and carefree summer evenings, but with a sophisticated twist that appeals to your grown-up palate.

Whether enjoyed around a crackling fire pit or savored in the comfort of your own home, these gourmet s’mores are a true indulgence. They celebrate the art of craftsmanship, showcasing the beauty of artisanal ingredients and the joy of elevating simple pleasures into something truly extraordinary.

So, gather your loved ones, light a cozy fire, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your senses and warm your heart. After all, a perfectly crafted gourmet s’more is more than just a treat – it’s a moment to be savored, a celebration of the finer things in life, and a reminder that even the simplest pleasures can be elevated to new heights of deliciousness.

Gourmet S’mores

Print Recipe

Homemade graham crackers, artisanal marshmallows, and rich chocolate ganache come together for a truly indulgent twist on a campfire classic.

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 S’mores 1x

Ingredients

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Graham Crackers:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Marshmallows:

• 3 packets of unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup cold water (divided)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Chocolate:

• 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Optional: 1 tsp espresso powder (for a rich flavor boost)

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Instructions

Graham Crackers:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, milk, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into squares or rectangles using a knife or cookie cutter. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Marshmallows:

1. Prepare Gelatin: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of cold water. Let it sit to bloom.
2. Heat Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then increase the heat to high. Cook until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Mix and Combine: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin. Gradually increase the mixer speed to high and whip for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract in the last minute of whipping.
4. Set Marshmallows: Dust a baking dish with powdered sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the dish, smooth the top, and dust with more powdered sugar. Let it set for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Cut Marshmallows: Once set, cut the marshmallows into squares and dust with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
2. Melt Chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate and optional espresso powder in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir Until Smooth: Stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add sea salt and mix well.

Assemble S’mores:

1. Toast Marshmallows: Toast marshmallows over a campfire, grill, or stovetop until golden brown and gooey.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place a piece of chocolate ganache on a graham cracker, top with a toasted marshmallow, and add another graham cracker on top to form a sandwich.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet s’mores!

Notes

For an extra touch, consider adding a thin layer of peanut butter or hazelnut spread to the graham crackers before assembling.

Use flavored marshmallows (like peppermint or caramel) for a fun twist.

If you prefer, you can use store-bought graham crackers and marshmallows to save time.

• Author: Lindsey Chastain
• Prep Time: 1 hour + 4 hours to set marshmallows
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

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