Who Really Invented S'mores?

Get to know the delicious history of s’mores: Who really came up with this scrumptious campfire treat?

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Who Invented S'mores?

S'mores are a beloved campfire treat that have been enjoyed by generations of families. The crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate make for a perfect combination of flavors and textures. But who exactly came up with this iconic dessert? The origins of s'mores are shrouded in mystery, but there are a few possible explanations for how they became so popular.

The Origins of S'mores

Some historians believe that the first s'mores were created by Native Americans, who would roast marshmallows over an open fire and then sandwich them between two pieces of cornbread. Others claim that s'mores were invented by Girl Scouts in the early 20th century. According to this story, the Girl Scouts would make s'mores during their camping trips, and the recipe quickly spread to other campers.

Regardless of who first came up with the idea, it's clear that s'mores have been a popular campfire treat for many years. The name itself is believed to be a contraction of the phrase "some more," which is what campers would say when they wanted another serving of the delicious dessert.

The Key Ingredients

At the heart of every s'more are two key ingredients: graham crackers and marshmallows.

Graham crackers were invented in the 19th century by a man named Sylvester Graham, who believed that a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol would lead to a healthier life. Graham crackers were originally unsweetened and made from whole wheat flour, but over time they evolved to become the sweet, crumbly biscuits that we know today.

Marshmallows, on the other hand, have a slightly less health-conscious history. They were originally made from the root of the marshmallow plant, which was used in ancient Egyptian medicine to soothe sore throats. Modern marshmallows, however, are made from sugar, gelatin, and corn syrup, and are a far cry from their natural ancestors.

Although graham crackers and marshmallows were both invented long before s'mores became popular, it's their combination that makes for such a delicious treat.

The First Recipe

While there is no definitive answer to who invented s'mores, the first published recipe for the dessert appeared in the 1927 edition of the Girl Scout handbook "Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts."

The recipe, which is credited to a troop leader named Loretta Scott Crew, calls for the roasting of marshmallows over an open fire, and then placing them between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate. The heat from the marshmallow melts the chocolate, creating a deliciously gooey treat.

Although this recipe was intended for Girl Scouts, it quickly became popular among campers of all ages, and is now a staple of camping trips and backyard barbecues across the country.

In Conclusion

While the exact origin of s'mores may never be known for certain, it's clear that they have become a beloved part of camping culture. Whether you're enjoying them in the great outdoors or by the fireplace at home, s'mores are a sweet and satisfying treat that will always be associated with memories of summer nights spent under the stars.

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The Evolution of S'mores

What started as a simple snack composed of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate is now a staple in campfires and outdoor activities. The perfect combination of sweetness, chewiness, and crunch has been evolving over time. The history of s'mores can be traced back to the early 20th century, but the process of creating and consuming them has seen countless variations and adaptations.

The Many Variations

One of the greatest things about s'mores is their versatility. While the original recipe calls for graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, different ingredients can be swapped in to change the flavor. Peanut butter cups, nutella, and caramel have all been used as chocolate substitutes. Flavored marshmallows, like strawberry and raspberry, can add a fruity twist to the treat while cinnamon and chocolate grahams infuse a whole new dimension of flavor into them.

But the variations do not have to stop there. Some have turned s'mores into pies, cupcakes and brownies. Chex Mix introduced a s'mores flavor, and even Starbucks created the S'mores Frappuccino. No matter how much it changes, the nostalgia of the original s'mores recipe remains untouched.

S'mores in Pop Culture

Even before s'mores became the perfect camping snack, they had already made their way into pop culture. In 1927, a Girl Scout publication included a recipe for the snack. Since then, s'mores have been featured in many tv shows and movies, such as The Sandlot, Lizzie McGuire, and Friends. The scene in the Sandlot where the guys gathered around a campfire to enjoy s'mores is unforgettable and has made the video go viral on TikTok. On the other hand, Lizzie McGuire's obsession with the snack has caused many young fans to give them a try.

The popularity of s'mores has also made it to the advertisements. Hershey's chocolate, the most popular chocolate used in s'mores, has featured the snack in many ads, highlighting the way to make them in a catchy jingle.

S'mores Today and Beyond

S'mores remain a timeless treat that has been able to stand the test of time and the varying tastes of generations. Even if it has been more than a century since its inception, it is still enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. It is a treat that is perfect for camping and outdoor activities but can also be enjoyed at home while watching movies or even whipped up as an afternoon snack.

The possibilities are endless, but one thing is for sure, s'mores will continue to evolve with evolving times. We can look forward to new flavors being introduced and maybe even more inventive ways of turning this classic into a unique masterpiece. But no matter how far it goes, nothing beats the first bite that takes us back to the memories of our childhood and the campfire nights.

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