Campfire Fun: Celebrating National S’mores Day

S’mores have been one of the most popular North American desserts for almost 100 years, and it’s easy to understand why. Gooey toasted marshmallows and thick melted chocolate held together by two tasty graham crackers – what more could you want to tickle your tastebuds? It’s estimated that in North America alone, over 50 million pounds of marshmallows are toasted over a campfire every year. With National S’mores Day fast approaching on Thursday, 10th August 2023, we’re taking a deep dive to discover what makes this dessert so special and how you can put your spin on it. Keep reading to find out more!

Celebrating National S'mores Day



The History of National S’mores Day

Many people think the name of this delicious dessert signifies something special, like the person who invented it or the city where it began. However, the origin of the name is much simpler. The name is a contraction of the phrase ‘some more’; it feels apt when we consider just how tasty and moreish they are!

The first s’mores recipe can be found in a book called ‘Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts’, published almost 100 years ago in 1927. We can safely assume that s’mores were popular with both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for some time before this!

By 1968, this recipe was provided:

  • Place a square of milk chocolate on a graham cracker.
  • Toast a marshmallow to golden perfection and gently place it on top of the chocolate.
  • Place a second graham cracker onto the toasted marshmallow and squeeze.

With a treat this delicious, it’s no wonder that when you’ve eaten one, everyone will want s’more! National S’mores Day was created several years ago to celebrate this deliciously gooey, crowd-pleasing delight.


How to Celebrate National S’mores Day

Celebrating National S’mores Day is so easy – you just need a few ingredients and a few willing friends. If you’ve got a camping trip coming up, this could be the perfect opportunity to whip up your own s’mores by following just a few simple steps.

Toast the marshmallows on the flames first, assemble the cracker with a piece of chocolate, add the toasted marshmallow, and then top with the final graham cracker. It’s important to use chocolate that will melt well from the heat of the marshmallow, so milk chocolate is the best choice, thanks to its high cocoa butter content. In the UK, there’s no such thing as graham crackers. The closest thing we get is the digestive biscuit. 

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could put your own unique twist on the s’more and add some extra ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few of our favourite ideas:

  • Peanut Butter S’mores – spread a layer of yummy peanut butter on the graham cracker before adding the chocolate.
  • Banana S’mores – add a bit of fruit into the mix by placing banana slices on the graham cracker.
  • Peanut Butter Cup S’mores – take the peanut butter flavour to another level using Reese’s Pieces peanut butter cup instead of standard milk chocolate.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores – instead of graham crackers, try using chocolate chip cookies as the base.
  • Vegan S’mores – Graham crackers are usually suitable for vegans, so substitute your marshmallows and chocolate for vegan-friendly alternatives to create a recipe that everyone can eat.

Not only can you put your own twist on the s’more, but you could also make any number of s’mores-inspired culinary treats. If you’re experimenting in the kitchen rather than around a campfire, you could try making:

  • S’mores Crème Brûlée – bring rustic camping and fancy restaurant dining together with this decadent dessert. Crème Brûlée combines sugar, cream, and eggs to take on the caramel flavour and texture, then add chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs to finish it off.
  • S’mores Milkshake – pile some vanilla ice cream and milk into the blender, add some chocolate syrup, marshmallow crème, and graham cracker crumbs. This makes a delicious, drinkable twist on the s’more.
  • S’mores Cheesecake – since cheesecake begins with the graham cracker crust anyway, it only makes sense to add in the marshmallow and chocolate flavours to complete the s’more experience.
  • S’mores Bars – bring the flavour of the s’more to a gathering by making yummy bars which can feed the group. Make a graham cracker and butter crust, then melt chocolate chips and marshmallows over the top for a few minutes in the oven. It couldn’t be easier!
Peanut Butter S'mores
Peanut Butter S’mores (Pinch of Yum)
S'mores Creme Brulee
S’mores Crème Brûlée (The Sweet Occasion)


How To Make Sensational S’mores at Home

Not planning a camping trip anytime soon? There’s no need to miss out on the deliciousness of s’mores! With this simple recipe, you can make these tasty treats in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

  • 32 miniature graham crackers or eight regular-size graham crackers broken in half.
  • Two milk chocolate bars which can be broken into small squares.
  • Eight marshmallows.

Directions:

  • Pre-heat the oven to 200°C.
  • Lay half of the graham crackers on greaseproof paper on a baking tray.
  • Put a small square of chocolate on top of each graham cracker.
  • Use kitchen scissors to snip the marshmallows in half horizontally if using miniature crackers, and place half a marshmallow on top of each graham cracker. Use a full-size marshmallow if you’re using regular-size crackers.
  • Bake in the oven for about three to five minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and top with the remaining graham crackers, pressing down slightly to make a sandwich.
  • Serve immediately while still warm.
S'mores
Mom’s Dinner


Indulge in Tasty S’mores at Swallowfields

Looking for the perfect glamping escape to relax, unwind, and (most importantly) enjoy mouth-watering s’mores around a campfire? Swallowfields Luxury Glamping Retreat has got you covered! Our stylish safari tents have private gardens featuring a family-sized firepit, perfect for making S’mores. Kick back and relax with a countryside escape in the Malvern Hills. Gather your loved ones around the campfire as the sun sets to spend quality time together and get stuck into some tasty s’mores. Celebrate National S’mores Day with a glamping retreat at Swallowfields today.

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    Malvern has long been associated with healthy living, ever since it originated as a spa town. Many benefits have been linked to its spring water, as well as people. Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria and Florence Nightingale are all said to have enjoyed its therapeutic qualities.

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    There’s no pounding the treadmill at Swallowfields, just beautiful walks with wonderful vistas provided by nature. Come visit our retreat and enhance your wellbeing in the best way for you, from reading a book and taking naps in your own hammock to cooking on a campfire and enjoying spa treatments. Our world awaits you…

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  • FAMILY BREAKS

    Nothing beats a great family break! When you laugh so much your sides hurt and enjoy yourself so much, you’re thinking, talking (and giggling) about it for many weeks to come.

    Swallowfields is geared up for families. You’ll find that all of our safari lodges, which easily sleep six people, are located on a child-friendly site. There are also plenty of things for the whole family to see and do too.

    Take a wander in our lovely wildflower meadow, toast marshmallows on the camp fire, explore the Malvern Hills and beyond and check out our Adventure Castle and Nature Hideout! You can even bring the dog too!

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  • ACTIVITY BREAKS

    You just bring yourself, we’ll point you in the direction of the action! And there’s lots of it!

    Maybe you want to challenge yourself and try something different, like paddleboarding or kayaking, or perhaps you want to practice your favourite hobby, such as mountain biking or hiking?

    There are lots of things to do all around Swallowfields and, when you’re back at your lodge, there’s a relaxing hot tub waiting for you.

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  • DOG FRIENDLY BREAKS

    We’re animal-lovers here at Swallowfields and we understand that your dog is a big part of your family, so why leave them behind?

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    For just £25 per dog, per stay*, you can make sure the entire family get their hands (and paws) on our wonderful glamping experience! Oh, and don’t forget to ask us about our complimentary doggie essentials pack too!

    * Maximum of two dogs per lodge

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