S'mores and more: Variations on the classic campfire treat are endless

Ah, s'mores — the summertime dessert you're never too old for.

Appearing in a 1927 Girl Scout publication, s'mores have become so popular they're celebrated every Aug. 10 (National S'mores Day). And it's easy to see why.

The campfire classic is among the easiest and gooiest treats to make. Simply place roasted marshmallows and chocolate between two graham crackers and smoosh it all together. The hot marshmallow melts the chocolate into a gooey confection.

"They are a good treat to have because they are sweet and fun to make," says Myranda Ryder, 12, of Grosse Ile, Mich., who adds that toasting the marshmallows is one of her favorite parts. "Something always happens. They never turn out exactly the same."

S'more variations are endless. Big and little chefs alike can put their own flavor spins on the campfire classic with fruits, caramel, jams or peanut butter. And who says you have to use milk chocolate? Try dark or mint chocolate — or skip the squares altogether and use Fudge Stripes cookies instead.

Try drizzling raspberry or strawberry sauce or melted jam over the toasted marshmallow. Or use individual chocolate squares with bits of fruit or almonds or pomegranate for an antioxidant punch.

You can even use chocolate infused with chili peppers — the sweet marshmallow complements it.

Speaking of marshmallows, how about making your own? We did — and liked them. They cost more than a bag of store-bought marshmallows, but it's all in the fun of making of them.

And fun is what s'mores are all about.

Caramello S'mores

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

8 skewers or sticks (for toasting the marshmallows)

16 large marshmallows

8 graham crackers, broken in half

2 Caramello (milk chocolate with caramel filling) bars, 4 ounces each

Toast two marshmallows over the heated coals or preheated grill until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and gooey and soft on the inside.

Slide the toasted marshmallow on a graham cracker. Place four small Caramello bar squares on top of the marshmallow and top with another graham cracker.

Press it down slightly to sandwich together. The heat of the marshmallow will melt the chocolate a bit. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

116 calories (23 percent from fat), 3 grams fat (2 grams sat. fat), 22 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram protein, 57 mg sodium,1 mg cholesterol, 0 grams fiber. — From and tested by Susan M. Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen

Baked S'mores

You can use a mix of cookie crumbs (such as shortbreads) and graham crackers. The recipe can be scaled down and made in a 9-by-9-inch or 11-by-7-inch baking dish.

Makes: 35 to 40 squares

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)

Nonstick cooking spray