Age group(s) for this recipe:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Estimated time:
15 minutes

Number of servings:
variable

Ingredients: (Hit your return key to start a new line)
large Marshmallows

pure Milk Chocolate bars that can be separated into squares

classic Graham Crackers

heat source: BBQ, campfire, fireplace...OR microwave

long skewers, and potholders, for outdoor/classic version

napkins, paper plates

Supervision!!!

Directions:
The classic s'more is a carefully golden-toasted marshmallow, slipped off a skewer, snuggled next to segments of milk chocolate, and both sandwiched between 2 halves of graham cracker. It's the magic that makes Happy Campers happy.

I have a 'tweenager who does not like marshmallows way toasty, or even with the smallest smudge of ash contact...and a 6 year old who is still developing fire safety concepts. Holding marshmallows over a grill or campfire means when the inside of the marshmallow softens, it seems to slide way South on the skewer (plop, sizzle). Not all kids have the patience for holding the marshmallow just far enough yet close enough, and rotating it to an evenly golden tan/brown; it's an Art, and supervision is of utmost importance. Close down the heat source when it becomes too inconvenient to supply adult supervision. (Neat word, Super-Vision...who really has that every minute of the day?)

Marshmallows toasted outdoors cool remarkably fast. The marshmallow needs to be hot to make the chocolate Xtra gooey and good, so assembly requires teamwork/adult assistance, which is also a worthy experience.

Microwave s'mores: I can honestly say that the ideal temperatures of the microwave make it possible to do more with less, except for the graham crackers. You can get away with half the chocolate or less, and half a marshmallow. You can even pile mini-marshmallows on the crackers, if you forgot to buy big ones. And no, it does not taste like a deprivation of any sort; it's still way gooey, way chocolatey!

General directions: put graham cracker halves on a sturdy, microwave-safe plate (paper is good). Cut some marshmallows in 1/2 with scissors; place one half on each cracker. Microwave for 30 seconds or less or until the marshmallow begins to puff up and "grow" like somethin' out of a sci fi movie. If overheated, the marshmallow will get crunchy, or burn from the inside out, so make a test plate with just one first, or be Very Watchful with the first batch.

Take the plate out, quickly place a square or 2 of chocolate gently into the hot marshmallow, and use the other half of the cracker to smoosh it down. Repeat until all s'mores have been "crowned" with chocolate n' crackers.

Other suggestions and comments:
The microwave s'mores can be Very hot, and stay hot longer than the classic type. It can pay to wait a teensy bit before biting...and then, oh Heaven to chocoholics of all ages! Great for answering cravings any time of year, any time of day...and if ya drink milk with it, you can pardon yerself for answering to that craving.