Classes are well under way, the air is getting cooler and the word ‘pumpkin’ is inescapable. Fall is undeniably here, so everyone is saying goodbye to barbecues and hello to apple picking. However, unless you’re a super strict season-ist, there is no reason to do away with all things summer quite yet—specifically, s’mores.
Photo by Isabelle Chu
Although the marshmallowy treats are meant to awaken memories of summer camping, I argue that there is no reason not to throw a fall s’mores party. Isn’t the brisk autumn air, finally free of mosquitos, perfect for huddling around a bonfire? And aren’t s’mores an excellent use for that leftover Halloween chocolate?
Spoon’s had your back for a while in terms of helping you kick your s’mores up a notch, but now it’s time to use what you’ve learned to throw a deliciously kick-ass party. With some inspiration from around the web as well as from Spoon UR’s own bonfire extravaganza, here are some suggestions for hosting an unforgettable s’mores celebration:
Step 1: Bring the fire
Fire pits are optimal, charcoal grills work well, fireplaces are cozy, gas stovetops are a little less romantic and microwaves are just sad—but hey, use whatever you’ve got. No heat source? Just use lots of spreadable fillings.
Photo by Isabelle Chu
Step 2: Gather your gear
- Napkins
- Skewers (thoroughly rinsed wooden sticks or chopsticks)
- A bucket of water (for soaking skewers)
- Aluminum foil, so you can wrap-and-bake gooey goods (see further down)
- Knives and spoons depending on toppings present
- Small plates
Photo by Isabelle Chu
Step 3: Ready, set…
- Graham crackers: original or chocolate-covered
- Nature Valley Granola Thins
- Cookies: Oreos, Girl Scout cookies, chocolate chip, shortbread, ginger snaps, gingerbread, Nilla wafers, Nutter Butters, Keebler Fudge Strips, Pizzelle, tea biscuits
- Salty: Ritz crackers, Pretzel Crisps, Bagel Crisps
- Butter Biscuit Ritter Sport (the cracker and chocolate components all in one!)
- Bananas
Photo by Isabelle Chu
Step 4: Marshmallows!
Obviously you’ve got your regular, miniature, jumbo, flavored and vegan marshmallows, but marshmallow fluff is a great option if a) you have vegetarians and can’t find vegetarian/vegan marshmallows or b) you don’t have an actual fire for roasting.
Photo by Isabelle Chu
Step 5: CHOCOLATE!
- Regular milk and dark chocolate bars
- Specialty bars: Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Crème, Ghirardelli Dark and Sea Salt Caramel Bars, Chuao
- Nutella
- Breakable candy bars: 3 Musketeers, Snickers, Milky Way, Reese’s Fast Break, Butterfinger
- For some crunch: Kit Kat, Crunch, Ferrero Rocher (halved), Toblerone, Heath Bar
- Peanut butter cups
- Andes Chocolate Mints, York Peppermint Patties
- Chocolate syrup
Photo by Isabelle Chu
*Step 6: Get cray
- Nut butters – smooth, crunchy or flavored (check out PB&Co. or Justin’s)
- Cookie butter, coconut butter, graham cracker butter, World Market Banana Chocolate Spread
- Dulce de leche, caramel syrup, caramel candies
- Honey, maple syrup, jam (hence, napkins)
- Slivered fruit: bananas, strawberries
- Shredded coconut
- Salty: Bacon, jerky, crumbled potato chips and pretzels
- Whipped cream, Cool Whip, vanilla curd
And there you have it! Follow these steps and you’re sure to throw one awesome s’mores party to kick off the fall season!
Photo by Isabelle Chu
Want s’more?