Chilly weather doesn’t necessarily mean backyard family fun has to move into the great indoors for the duration of winter. And while you might not be paying a visit to your neighborhood pool or hosting the cul-de-sac for a barbeque, staying warm by the fire in your backyard is the perfect way to keep cozy and enjoy a fun night “in” with the people you cherish the most. With World Chocolate Day right around the corner, there’s no better way to gather up for a good time and celebrate chocolate with delectable fireside s’mores. The possibilities for having s’more time with your family are endless when you think outside the graham cracker and remix a traditional fire pit favorite in new and delicious ways.
Top Tier Taste
Many might be content to use the first kind of chocolate or marshmallows they find on shelves at the grocery store, however, the difference between a mediocre s’more and a masterpiece treat is found in the ingredients. If there’s ever been a time to treat yourself to some high quality s’mores, it’s on World Chocolate Day. With all the choices available to you at your local food mart, there are plenty of options for you to choose from when building a top tier s’more. Opt for organic chocolate to experience a richer taste, support ethical farming practices, and avoid harmful ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup. And if you’re really keen on staying healthy while enjoying some fireside treats, consider making homemade marshmallows that keep the corn syrup out and the yummy taste in.
Think Outside The (Graham Cracker) Box
Milk chocolate, classic graham crackers, and puffy marshmallows have been the staples of s’more since the fireside dessert was first introduced. And while there’s something to be said for sticking with the classics, there’s no harm in branching out and embracing more unique s’mores recipes for your World Chocolate Day celebration. Here’s some yummy inspiration for building out of the box s’mores:
- Peanut Butter: There’s no taste combination that is quite as heavenly as chocolate mixed with peanut butter. Spread some creamy peanut goodness on the chocolate squares before putting it in the fire for a melty delicious combo that will have your mouth watering.
- Hazelnut: If you’re looking to branch out from regular old milk chocolate s’mores, hazelnut may be the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for. Hazelnut spreads and bars can be found in many grocery stores and can add an unconventional sweetness to your s’more.
- Jams & Jellies: While marshmallows and similar sugary sweet ingredients are popular s’mores choices, there is something to be said for bringing some fruity flavors to the table. Spread strawberry jam on the cracker for some sweet flavor without all the sugar, or add grape jelly and peanut butter for PB&J s’mores delights. Line up all of your jelly options on a side table for a fun condiment bar, and don’t forget your accent cover for easy clean up.
- Cookies: This recipe is perfect for those with a serious sweet tooth. Opt for classic chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies instead of graham crackers for a truly unique and tasty texture.
Prep For Perfection
Once you have all of your ingredients on hand, it’s time to set up your backyard for a s’mores night to remember. Keep your jacuzzi cover in place for now, but you can start prepping for s’mores night by pulling off your firepit or grill cover and getting your fire supplies ready. These might include logs, lighter fluid, or charcoal briquettes if opting for grill style s’mores. Temperatures will undoubtedly drop in the evening hours, so be sure to have blankets and pillows ready for your family to snuggle up with when the sun sets. And perhaps the most important yet often overlooked part of s’mores night prep is having a “cleanup station” set up. S’mores are notorious for the sticky, gooey mess they leave behind on your hands and face, and messy hands can mean stained cushions if you’re not careful. Avoid any messy mishaps by having hand wipes, paper towels, and fabric stain removers at the ready. Your family will be grateful for the chance to clean up after celebrating World Chocolate Day by indulging in delicious, chocolatey s’mores.
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