One of the best parts of camping is sitting around a crackling campfire and eating a yummy, gooey s’more (or five, in this author’s case).

The recipe is simple:

1. Place two graham cracker squares next to each other.
2. Put chocolate on top of one square.
3. Put one or two marshmallows on a stick and roast over a campfire. Turn occasionally until golden brown or burnt (whichever your preference).
4. Place roasted marshmallow(s) on the chocolate-covered graham cracker square.
5. Cover with the other square to make a sandwich and enjoy!

The classic s’more is a decadent treat in itself, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider these options from some Three Rivers staff members: 

• For more gourmet s’mores, use peanut butter cups, chocolate mints, or your favorite gourmet chocolate.
• Add some caramel! After you put a marshmallow on your roasting stick, add a square of caramel to the end. When you slide the marshmallow off the stick, the caramel will end up inside of it.
• Chocolate frosting, chocolate butter, and caramel topping/dip are great chocolate-bar alternatives that won’t melt all over.
• Use chocolate chip cookies or chocolate-striped cookies instead of graham crackers and chocolate.
• Campfire Cones and S’moritos; choose ingredients to suit your group’s palette!

Dietary Sensitivities and Preferences

Want to make s’mores but need alternatives for dietary restrictions and sensitivities? Give some of these options a try.

• Chocolate: Enjoy Life Foods makes chocolate bars that are gluten-, dairy- nut-, and soy-free.
• Graham crackers: Pamela’s Products make a graham cracker that is free of many allergens, and brown rice cakes are a vegan-friendly and allergen-free alternative, too (idea from Food Network)
• Marshmallows: The popular Jet Puffed Marshmallows are gluten-, dairy- and nut-free. Vegan alternatives include Dandies Marshmallows and Trader Joe’s Marshmallows. 

Get Your Next S’mores Fix in Three Rivers

Looking for a reason to enjoy a s’more this week? Saturday, August 10 is National S’mores Day! Here are a few ways you can celebrate with us: 

• Bring your own ingredients and make them while camping.
• Check out an upcoming s’mores program.
• Sign up for Autumn Woods Classic. Register on Saturday, August 10 and take 20% off your registration fees!