Who Doesn’t Need S’mores?

I once wrote that cupcakes are the puppies of the baking world. People come undone and practically fall to their knees when confronted with the cuteness of a cupcake. I would like to add another sweet to the list: the s’more. While the s’more was once only an a-la-minute-do-it-yourself gooey treat served campfire side, it now serves as muse to confectioners and cookbook authors alike.

I realize that spring just began a few weeks ago, but aren’t we all thinking about what we are going to do for our summer vacation? I thought it would be a great idea to give the reader a few ideas for summer entertaining and gift giving, especially since all of these ideas involve ordering ahead.

S’mores Cookbook: Before I tell you how charming this cookbook is I must disclaim that I was involved in the early stages of its planning. (Really, all I did was read the first draft and provide a couple chocolate suggestions).

Gimme S’Mores is a self-published cookbook by John Felts. On vacation in Maui one summer, John was inspired by his family’s tradition of having s’mores for dessert after dinner. While reaching for his glass of port and his second s’more he was heard to say, “What the world really needs is a s’more cookbook!” And who are we to argue? I think of this photo packed cookbook less as a collection of recipes and more as an indispensable handbook of assembly ideas. There are recipes ranging from the classic to the experimental. Loaded with photographs and diagrams the reader will learn how to roast the perfect marshmallow and how to create a s’more when there is no campfire in sight. How about a Range Top S’more or a Microwave S’more? Wondering what other uses you might have for that blowtorch? Never built a campfire before? No problem. The Technique chapter offers how-tos on building a classic campfire.

There is no reason to confine the enjoyment of a s’more to summertime only. Why not start your own Christmas tradition by leaving Santa a special peppermint Christmas S’more—much more interesting than a chocolate chip cookie! And just in case you thought that s’mores are all about child’s play, there is a section on wine pairing. Very adult, indeed! A copy of this book ($21 soft cover) will make an amusing summer hostess gift, along with a box of graham crackers, a bag of marshmallows, some great chocolate and lots of imagination.