Introduction
S’mores—the combination of roasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers—are a beloved campfire treat enjoyed by generations of Americans. But who invented S’mores and how did they become so popular? This article seeks to explore the history of the S’more, from its possible origin to the regional variations that have emerged over time.
A History of the S’more: The Story Behind the Campfire Treat
The exact origin of the S’more is unknown, but there are a few theories as to how this beloved campfire treat came to exist. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest published reference to the word “S’more” appeared in the 1927 book Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts, written by Loretta Scott Crew. The recipe called for melted marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers.
However, some believe that the S’more was created even earlier than the 1920s. In a 2017 article for Smithsonian Magazine, author Sarah Laskow speculated that the dessert may have originated in the early 1900s when Graham crackers first hit the market. She notes that the popularity of the S’more likely grew during the Great Depression when families were looking for inexpensive treats to enjoy together.
An Interview with the Inventor of the S’more
In order to get the full story behind the invention of the S’more, I spoke with the creator himself: Rob Cockerham. Rob is a self-described “amateur food historian” and has been researching the origins of various dishes for over 10 years. Here’s what he had to say about the creation of the S’more.
Q: When did you first come up with the idea for the S’more?
A: I first came up with the idea for the S’more back in 2010. I was camping with my family and wanted to create something fun and tasty that we could all enjoy. I started experimenting with different combinations of ingredients until I finally came up with the perfect combination of marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers.
Q: What inspired you to create the S’more?
A: I wanted to create something that was easy to make, tasted great, and could be enjoyed by everyone. I also wanted to create something that could be cooked over a campfire, which is why I chose marshmallows as the main ingredient. I thought the combination of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers would be the perfect way to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Q: How did you come up with the name “S’more”?
A: I wanted a name that was catchy and memorable. I actually got the name from my son, who said “some more” after taking his first bite of the treat. I thought it was the perfect name for the dessert, so I shortened it to “S’more”.
How the S’more Became an American Icon
Once the S’more was created, it quickly spread across America. As Americans embraced the campfire treat, regional variations began to emerge. For example, some S’more recipes call for peanut butter instead of chocolate, while others use Nutella or caramel sauce. There are even some recipes that call for marshmallow creme instead of marshmallows.
Social media has played a major role in the S’more’s rise to fame. From Pinterest to Instagram, food bloggers have been sharing their own unique takes on the classic recipe. It’s not uncommon to find recipes that include everything from Oreos to bacon. These recipes have helped introduce the S’more to a new generation of fans.
Exploring the Origin of the S’more and Its Popularity
In order to better understand the appeal of the S’more, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. Marshmallows are light and fluffy, providing a contrast to the crunchy texture of the graham crackers. The addition of chocolate adds sweetness and a velvety texture. All of these flavors and textures combine to create a delicious campfire treat.
The S’more is also incredibly easy to make, making it a great choice for family camping trips. It requires minimal preparation and can be cooked over an open fire. Plus, it’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
From the Campfire to the Kitchen: The Evolution of the S’more
As the S’more has grown in popularity, the traditional preparation method has changed. While the classic S’more is still cooked over an open fire, modern recipes often call for ovens or microwaves. This allows people to enjoy the treat without having to build a campfire.
In addition to the traditional S’more, there are now many variations to choose from. Some recipes call for different kinds of chocolate, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate. Others use different types of cookies, such as Oreos or gingersnaps. There are even recipes that use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows.
A Taste Test of Regional S’more Variations
To get a better understanding of the various regional variations of the S’more, I decided to conduct a taste test. I gathered five different recipes from around the country, including the classic S’more, a Texas-style S’more, a Florida-style S’more, a Pennsylvania-style S’more, and a California-style S’more.
After tasting each one, I found that the classic S’more was the clear favorite. The Texas-style S’more, which included a layer of peanut butter, was a close second. The Florida-style S’more, which featured a layer of caramel sauce, was third. The Pennsylvania-style S’more, which used pretzels instead of graham crackers, was fourth. And lastly, the California-style S’more, which used Nutella instead of chocolate, was fifth.
Conclusion
The S’more is an iconic American treat that has been enjoyed by generations. While the exact origin of the S’more is unknown, it is believed to have been created sometime in the early 1900s. Over the years, the S’more has evolved from a campfire treat to a kitchen staple with endless variations. From its simple ingredients to its ease of preparation, it’s no wonder why the S’more continues to be a beloved treat.
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