How to Make “Less Mess S’Mores”!

Hi Pizzazzerie readers! Cara here from One Swell Studio! 

I can feel it.  The air is getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to fall, & Starbucks has officially started serving their beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Autumn is so close to being here!  I don’t know about you, but I don’t think there’s a more perfect season for bonfires.  Just the thought of a bonfire makes me want to put on my coziest sweater, gather some friends around a campfire, & toast marshmallows together.  And what better way to enjoy those golden-brown marshmallows than inside a S’more?

S’mores are a campfire staple.  I can’t remember a camping trip that hasn’t included their ooey-gooey goodness.  But, oh, the mess that they can make.  After they’re devoured, traditional S’mores tend to leave behind sticky hands & faces.

In order to keep the mess to a minimum, I’ve come up with a way to enjoy  S’mores (in all their sticky glory) without leaving hands & faces covered in marshmallow goo.  (With two little guys– this is an absolute lifesaver!)

You’re probably familiar with Walking Tacos, a concession stand signature made with a small bag of Fritos chips, chili, cheese & other taco toppings.  Consider this recipe the Walking Taco’s distant dessert cousin.

Here’s what you’ll need for each serving:

• 1 individual-sized bag of Teddy Grahams
• 1/8 cup of Marshmallow Fluff (1 large spoonful)
• 1/3 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips (divided)

I found a 12 pack of the small Teddy Graham bags at Wal-Mart with three flavors– honey, cinnamon & chocolate.   Choose a flavor and open the bag carefully, making sure the sides don’t tear. (You can also use scissors if you’d like.)

Measure out the Fluff & add it to the bag of Teddy Grahams, stirring slightly to coat as many crackers as possible.  (I found it worked best NOT to heat the Fluff.  It works just fine at room temperature & is plenty sticky to help all of the ingredients adhere together.)

Add the miniature marshmallows and half of the chocolate chips (1/8 cup) to the bag.

Place the remaining chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat (in 20-30 second intervals) until the chocolate is melted.  Pay close attention not to let it burn.

Pour or spoon the melted chocolate into the bag of Teddy Grahams and mix well to cover all of the ingredients.

Using a spoon to scoop out bites, enjoy this less-mess version of S’mores.

This recipe can be easily adapted to your tastes.  Peanut butter chips, crumbled candy bar bits or small candies (M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces) would be fun ways to customize your S’more bag.  The possibilities are endless.

 Free LESS MESS S’MORES Printable Signs!

At parties, this type of S’more would be fantastic for a “make you own” station.  The chocolate could be easily melted (& kept warm) in a small crock pot so that it’s ready whenever you are.  (Just keep the temperature set at low or ‘keep warm’ to avoid burnt chocolate!) All of the “add-in” ingredients can be displayed in glass containers labeled with what’s inside.  Guests will be able to create & customize their S’mores, and then continue to enjoy the party without worrying about getting sticky.

If your stomach is growling at this point (I know mine certainly is!)– make a run for it to the nearest store & pick up the ingredients for this yummy treat!

Cara is the owner/designer behind One Swell Studio. After becoming a stay-at-home mom, she discovered the world of party planning & soon found herself deeply in love with styling dessert tables & designing party decor. She opened the virtual doors to her Etsy shop, One Swell Studio, in December 2010.  Read more about Cara here…