Tag S’mores

NATIONAL TOASTED MARSHMALLOW DAY

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On August 30th, National Toasted Marshmallow Day celebrates one of America’s favorite fire-roasted treats. Be sure to stock up on marshmallows so you can celebrate! Get your friends together and gather up some firewood. Grab a few long sticks and a bag of marshmallows. Then, make plans for a great night!

TripWorthy 15469 Marshmallow Roasting Sticks & Bonus 10 Bamboo Skewers (Kid Friendly) - Set of 8, 32 Inches, Blue, Red, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, Yellow, Black Brand: Tripworthy
TripWorthy 15469 Marshmallow Roasting Sticks & Bonus 10 Bamboo Skewers (Kid Friendly) – Set of 8, 32 Inches, Blue, Red, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, Yellow, Black

Brand: Tripworthy

Toasted marshmallows are a special part of summer evenings around a bonfire. Also, what better way to kick off a long weekend than to enjoy a delicious, warm, gooey, toasted marshmallow?

Add a pair of graham crackers and a chocolate bar – and ask for s’more! Depending upon personal preference, heat marshmallows to various degrees from gently toasted to a charred outer layer. To char the outer layer, ignite the marshmallow then quickly blow it out.

Marshmallows now come in a variety of flavors as well as sizes for maximum toasting opportunities. For a fun alternative, try roasting Marshmallow Peeps. Watch them closely as the granular sugar coating will burn more quickly.

Believe it or not, marshmallows date back to Ancient Egypt. The mallow plant provided a sap that the Egyptians used to create a candy with nuts and honey.

Ligonier, Indiana holds an annual Marshmallow Festival and is the marshmallow capital of the world.

Homemade marshmallows use sugar, unflavored gelatin, corn syrup, and flavoring. Try this recipe.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ToastedMarshmallowDay

Toast up some marshmallows and enjoy. Have a marshmallow toasting competition. Who makes the best-toasted marshmallows in your circle of friends? Share recipes for homemade marshmallows or s’mores combinations, too. Share your best marshmallow toasting techniques and use #ToastedMarshmallowDay to post on social media. 

NATIONAL S’MORES DAY

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National S’mores Day on August 10th recognizes the most popular campfire treat! Millions of people of all ages love this gooey, toasted treat. 

S’mores consists of a roasted marshmallow with a layer of chocolate bar sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker.

Nostalgia SMM200 Indoor Electric Stainless Steel S'mores Maker with 4 Compartment Trays for Graham Crackers, Chocolate, Marshmallows and 2 Roasting Forks, Brown by Nostalgia
Nostalgia SMM200 Indoor Electric Stainless Steel S’mores Maker with 4 Compartment Trays for Graham Crackers, Chocolate, Marshmallows and 2 Roasting Forks, Brown

by Nostalgia

The origin of this tasty snack is credited to the entrepreneur Alec Barnum. However, the first recorded version of the recipe can be found in the 1927 publication of Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.  Even though the Girl Scouts were not the first ones to make s’mores, Girl Scout groups describe them in their reports as early as 1925. Earlier recipes used the name “Some Mores.”  It is unclear when the word “S’mores” became the more common name.

TripWorthy 15469 Marshmallow Roasting Sticks & Bonus 10 Bamboo Skewers (Kid Friendly) - Set of 8, 32 Inches, Blue, Red, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, Yellow, Black Brand: Tripworthy
TripWorthy 15469 Marshmallow Roasting Sticks & Bonus 10 Bamboo Skewers (Kid Friendly) – Set of 8, 32 Inches, Blue, Red, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, Yellow, Black

Brand: Tripworthy

Today, many variations on the original s’more find their way around a campfire.

  • Try spreading peanut butter on the graham crackers before adding the other ingredients.
  • Substitute peanut butter cups in place of the chocolate bar.
  • Replace the graham crackers with fudge-dipped cookies.
  • Add banana slices. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSmoresDay

Try this S’more Bar recipe at home. Enjoy and share with your friends and family. However, if you think s’mores are too messy for you but enjoy the flavor, add the s’more ingredients to delicious desserts. Cakes, pies, dips, trifles also offer a terrific way to enjoy the taste of a s’more. Make it a delicious part of Family Fun Month this August too!

Related Celebrations…

How many different ways can you make a s’more? Use #NationalSmoresDay to post on social media. 

National Ice Cream Sandwhich Day

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On August 2nd, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day encourages us to cool off with one of our favorite frozen treats. Whether it’s vanilla, strawberry or Neopolitan between two chocolate wafers, the dessert sure will hit the spot on a hot summer day.  

The original ice cream sandwich sold for a penny in 1900 from a pushcart in the Bowery neighborhood of New York. Newspapers never identified the name of the vendor in articles that appeared across the country. However, the ice cream sandwiched between milk biscuits became a hit. Soon, pushcarts popped up around the city and country during the summer months selling the portable treats. Early pictures show beachgoers at Atlantic City getting their ice cream sandwichs for 1¢ each. 

Once ice cream sandwiches became popular, recipes for home cooks filled the papers. The sandwich layers included everything from angel food and sponge cake to shortbread cookies. Restaurants offered the ice cream sandwich as a decadent dessert for travelers. By 1940, grocers sold sandwiches made with crispy wafers.

One account claims the modern ice cream sandwich with the chocolate wafer was invented in 1945 by Jerry Newberg. The ice cream maker sold his creation at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, PA. At the time, the storied location was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.

If the chocolate brownie wafer doesn’t appeal to you, don’t hesitate to mix it up. All variety of cookies make excellent sandwich parts. Change up the ice cream, too. Around the world, ice cream sandwiches go by a variety of names including the Monaco Bar, Giant Sandwich, Maxibon, Cream Between, Vanilla Slice, and many more.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #IceCreamSandwichDay

Enjoy an ice cream sandwich today! Make your own, or listen for your local ice cream truck. Post on social media using #IceCreamSandwichDay.

Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Sandwich Maker, Large, Black
Chef’n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Sandwich Maker, Large, Black
Ice Cream Sandwich Wafers & Cookies (Chocolate Wafer, 1 Lb)
Ice Cream Sandwich Wafers & Cookies (Chocolate Wafer, 1 Lb)

Little Pepi's Pizzelles, Vanilla, 7 Ounce
Little Pepi’s Pizzelles, Vanilla, 7 Ounce
Chef'n SweetSpot Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Maker (Fudge/Coconut), Standard, Small
Chef’n SweetSpot Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Maker (Fudge/Coconut), Standard, Small

NATIONAL GRAHAM CRACKER DAY

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July 5th recognizes 1/3rd of the s’more. It’s National Graham Cracker Day! Hopefully, you saved a few crackers if you were busy making s’mores over the Independence Day holiday. 

When Sylvester Graham first invented the slightly sweetened cracker, he intended it as a health food. In the early 1800s, the Presbyterian minister developed the cracker as part of his “Graham Diet” program. They were made from whole wheat graham flour with added bran and wheat germs. He believed his snack would curb sinful cravings. 

Today, makers use bleached white flour and blend a variety of flavors including honey, cinnamon, and chocolate. They also come in smaller bite-size snacks and fun shapes. 

While a delicious snack on their own, they also make terrific ingredients for desserts. Crushed graham crackers blended with butter and pressed into pie tins, or springform pans make excellent crusts when lightly toasted. Graham crackers layered between yogurt and fruit taste delicious in a parfait. When it comes to crumb toppings, oats, brown sugar, butter, and crushed graham crackers blended together and lightly toasted will always satisfy.

Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Some of the easiest ways of using graham crackers are making a type of sandwich. Of course, one of the most popular treats made with graham crackers is the S’more. However, that’s not the only type of sandwich we can make with these sturdy crackers.

  • Ice cream sandwiches – It’s summer, so head to the freezer. Just one scoop of ice cream between two crackers is all it takes. Wrap the sandwich in wax paper and place it back in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. 
  • Nut butter sandwiches – Whether it’s peanut butter, hazelnut, or sun butter, spread your favorite between two crackers and enjoy. 
  • Fruit sandwiches – Layer banana or strawberry slices between two crackers. Add nut butter. 
  • Frozen fruit sandwiches – Puree your favorite fruit and then freeze slightly. Spread the pulp on the crackers and refreeze just like you did the ice cream. These sweet treats are delightfully refreshing!

During Christmastime, graham crackers go into overtime. They join forces with gingerbread and create magical houses with frosting. The edible delights may not last very long, but they make memories that last a lifetime. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrahamCrackerDay

Pick up some graham crackers and start making some memories. No matter how you celebrate, there are numerous, delicious ways to share.  Post on social media using #GrahamCrackerDay to encourage others to join in paying it forward.

HONEY MAID Graham Crackers, Lunch Snacks, Party Size, 28.8 oz #GrahamCrackerDay
HONEY MAID Graham Crackers, Lunch Snacks, Party Size, 28.8 oz
Annie's Organic Honey Graham Crackers, Made With Whole Grain, 14.4 oz#GrahamCrackerDay
Annie’s Organic Honey Graham Crackers, Made With Whole Grain, 14.4 oz
2 in 1 Electric S’mores Maker & Fondue Pot, Tabletop Indoor Smores kit with 4 Roasting Forks, 4 Detachable Trays & 1 Flameless Temperature-controlled Heater, Movie Night Supplies & Housewarming Gifts#GrahamCrackerDay
2 in 1 Electric S’mores Maker & Fondue Pot, Tabletop Indoor Smores kit with 4 Roasting Forks, 4 Detachable Trays & 1 Flameless Temperature-controlled Heater, Movie Night Supplies & Housewarming Gifts

NATIONAL COUNTRY COOKING MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 8 Comments

June kicks off National Country Cooking Month and a time when we spend more time with family. Whether we’re taking vacations or visiting relatives, we almost always get to savor some country cooking.

Digging into the stick-to-your-ribs biscuits and gravy for breakfast always starts the day off right. Don’t forget fried chicken with some watermelon and green beans on the side at lunch. Wrap up the day with a good ol’ barbeque and a little bit of apple pie and homemade ice cream.

Cook It in Cast Iron: Kitchen-Tested Recipes for the One Pan That Does It All (Cook's Country)#CountryCookingMonth
Cook It in Cast Iron: Kitchen-Tested Recipes for the One Pan That Does It All (Cook’s Country)
Taste of Home All-American Cookbook: 370 Ways to Savor the Flavors of the USA#CountryCookingMonth
Taste of Home All-American Cookbook: 370 Ways to Savor the Flavors of the USA
Soligt Cookbook Stand for Kitchen Counter Adjustable iPad Tablet Recipe Book Holder Rustic Wood Cutting Board Style - Brown#CountryCookingMonth
Soligt Cookbook Stand for Kitchen Counter Adjustable iPad Tablet Recipe Book Holder Rustic Wood Cutting Board Style – Brown
Umite Chef Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set, 33 pcs Non-stick Silicone Cooking Kitchen Utensils Spatula Set with Holder, Wooden Handle Silicone Kitchen Gadgets Utensil Set (Cream White)#CountryCookingMonth
Umite Chef Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set, 33 pcs Non-stick Silicone Cooking Kitchen Utensils Spatula Set with Holder, Wooden Handle Silicone Kitchen Gadgets Utensil Set (Cream White)

There’s so much more to country cooking. The soul and heart that goes into it, and a whole lot of love. The people who cook the meals we love the most have been making them for our parents and sometimes our grandparents, too. We pass the recipes and the techniques done from generation to generation.

As I was born and raised in Florida Country Cooking inevitably includes Southern Traditions. Banana Pudding, Chicken N’ Dumplings, Sweet Iced Tea, Country Fried Steaks with Gravy, just to name a few. While I am not related to the likes of The Pioneer Woman or Paula Dean some of those traditions will definitely grace our table.

In each serving, we add the seasoning of love and good memories. That’s what country cooking is all about.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Grab a plate full of country cooking this month. Get in the kitchen and share your favorite recipes by using #CountryCookingMonth on social media.

SENSARTE Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set 13-Piece, Healthy Pots and Pans Set, Non-toxic Kitchen Cooking Set with Stay-Cool Handles, Silicone Tools and Pot Protectors, PFAS and PFOA Free#CountryCookingMonth
SENSARTE Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set 13-Piece, Healthy Pots and Pans Set, Non-toxic Kitchen Cooking Set with Stay-Cool Handles, Silicone Tools and Pot Protectors, PFAS and PFOA Free
Country Kitchen 16 Piece Pots and Pans Set - Safe Nonstick Ceramic Coating Kitchen Cookware with Soft Touch Wooden Removable Handle, RV Cookware Set, Oven Safe (Grey/Ivory)#CountryCookingMonth
Country Kitchen 16 Piece Pots and Pans Set – Safe Nonstick Ceramic Coating Kitchen Cookware with Soft Touch Wooden Removable Handle, RV Cookware Set, Oven Safe (Grey/Ivory)
Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan - Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set 3-Piece - Frying Pan - 6 Inch, 8 Inch and 10 Inch Cast Iron Set (Black)#CountryCookingMonth
Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan – Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set 3-Piece – Frying Pan – 6 Inch, 8 Inch and 10 Inch Cast Iron Set (Black)
Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid – Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop - Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Blue#CountryCookingMonth
Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid – Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop – Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Blue
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