There are a few memories from childhood that many of us share, whatever our generation. There’s the fear we felt when the Wicked Witch of the West swooped down on Dorothy. And there’s the wonder we experienced when we first dug our toes in the sand and let the waves sweep over our heads to engulf our small bodies.
And then there’s the first bite of a s’more, taken in front of a roaring campfire, that let us taste heaven for the first time – the crunch of sweet graham crackers married with gooey, melting marshmallows and chocolate.
Not much has changed; s’mores are still a favorite for many adults and children, though metal coat hangers, straightened to hold a string of marshmallows above the fire, are harder to come by.
Graham crackers remain the same, and thank goodness Hershey’s hasn’t changed its recipe. Marshmallows, too. Though there is a new brand on the market, Dandies, that is gluten-free with no artificial ingredients or high-fructose corn syrup. A good choice for those with allergies.
I still enjoy lighting a fire in my backyard firepit every once in a while simply to make a s’more. I’ve seen people roast them over the stove, and it’s just not the same. There’s something about the flavor added by the flames.