S’mores: Exploring the History of the Legendary Campfire Treat

Introduction

Ah, s’mores. The classic campfire treat that has been delighting kids (and adults) since time immemorial. But who invented s’mores? That’s what we’re here to find out. Let’s take a look at the history of the beloved treat and uncover how it came to be.

But first, what exactly are s’mores? While the exact definition may vary from person to person, most people would agree that a traditional s’more consists of two graham crackers, a piece of chocolate, and a roasted marshmallow sandwiched in between. Once assembled, the ingredients are melted together to create a gooey, delicious treat.

A Historical Look at the Invention of S’mores

The earliest known reference to the treat dates back to 1927, when a recipe for “some mores” appeared in a girl scout manual called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. This recipe called for the sandwiching of a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers.

However, the treat was not referred to by its now-famous name until much later. The term “s’more” first appeared in a cookbook called Mallomars, S’mores, and More published in 1945. This book featured a recipe for “s’mores,” which were described as “a sandwich of two graham crackers, a layer of roasted marshmallow, and a thin layer of chocolate.”

It is believed that the treat evolved over time, with different variations appearing in cookbooks throughout the years. For example, an earlier version of the treat appeared in a publication called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts in 1927, which featured a recipe for “some mores” that called for just a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers.

The Legendary Campfire Treat: Tracing the Origin of S’mores

In addition to recipes, there is also a rich folklore and legends surrounding the invention of s’mores. One popular story claims that the treat was invented by a group of Girl Scouts in 1927. According to this legend, the girls were camping in the woods when they decided to make a snack consisting of a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers. The girls named their treat “some mores” due to the fact that everyone wanted “some more” after tasting it.

Another popular story claims that s’mores were invented by a man named Sylvester Graham in the late 1800s. According to this tale, Graham was experimenting with combining his namesake cracker with different ingredients when he stumbled upon the combination of marshmallow and chocolate. He then shared his creation with friends and family, and the rest is history.

How the Delicious S’more Came to Be: An In-Depth Analysis of the Invention

So, who is actually credited with inventing the beloved campfire treat? Unfortunately, the answer remains unclear. Although it is widely accepted that s’mores originated in the United States, no one knows for sure who created the treat or when it was first made.

What is known is that the treat requires three main ingredients: graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Each of these ingredients has its own unique history. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

The Sweet Story Behind the Invention of S’mores

Graham crackers were invented by a man named Sylvester Graham in the late 1800s. A Presbyterian minister and health food advocate, Graham developed the crackers as part of his philosophy that whole wheat flour was healthier than white flour. His crackers were made with only whole wheat flour, water, molasses, and baking soda.

Marshmallows, on the other hand, have a much longer history. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to make them, using a sap found in the mallow plant. These marshmallows were considered to have medicinal properties and were used to treat sore throats. Over time, the recipe evolved and the marshmallows we know today were born.

Finally, chocolate has been around for centuries. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs consumed a bitter drink made with cocoa beans, and by the 1600s, Europeans had discovered the joys of eating chocolate. By the 1800s, American confectioners had perfected the recipe for milk chocolate.

It is believed that the combination of these three ingredients to create s’mores originated in the late 1800s. The treat quickly became popular at campfires, where it was easy to assemble and roast the marshmallows. Thus, the iconic s’more was born.

S’more than Just a Sweet Treat: Exploring the History of the Creation of S’mores

Since its invention, s’mores have become a worldwide phenomenon. Variations of the treat have emerged, such as adding peanut butter or replacing the graham crackers with cookie dough. The treat has also been incorporated into cakes, pies, ice cream, and more. It even inspired the name of a popular candy bar, the S’mores Bar.

S’mores have become so popular that National S’mores Day is celebrated annually on August 10th. On this day, people all over the world gather around campfires to enjoy the timeless treat.

Conclusion

S’mores have been a beloved campfire treat for generations. While the exact origin of the treat remains unclear, it is believed to have originated in the late 1800s in the United States. It is likely that the combination of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate was first discovered by accident, leading to the creation of the iconic s’more. Since then, the treat has become a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring variations and becoming the namesake of a popular candy bar.

No matter who invented s’mores, we can all agree that it is a delicious treat that brings people together. So, the next time you’re gathered around a campfire, don’t forget to make some s’mores!