Midterm season is once again upon us. The twelve-hour library sessions and thighs sticking to wooden desk chairs have come back around. As the days get warmer and the work gets heavier, stress levels rise and spring fever sets in.
It’s easy to get caught up in studying and assignments and neglect this beautiful season. Stop wasting your weekends watching Game of Thrones (guilty), and get outdoors: If not for your own enjoyment, for your own wellbeing. Interacting with nature is scientifically shown to reduce stress and have positive effects on health.
With such natural beauty all around us, and spring just around the corner, it’s time to get out of dodge and escape campus for the weekend. Spend some time with friends and nothing but a tent and sleeping bag. And copious amounts of food. Inspired by Tom Haverford’s glamping style, here are 5 delicious, not-so-standard s’mores flavor combinations that are sure to put you in the lap of luxury even while in the wilderness.
1. Mexican hot chocolate s’more
Photo by Jenny Huang
Inspired by the spicy chocolate drink of the gods, this s’more with a kick is sure to warm up a cold night in a tent. A cinnamon sugar graham cracker, toasted marshmallow, square of dark chocolate, and sprinkle of cinnamon and cayenne layer up for a deep, richly flavored s’more that’s not too sweet.
2. Gluten-free s’more
Photo by Jenny Huang
For those of us with gluten intolerance, or those who just abstain from gluten, this s’more replaces graham crackers with banana slices for a slightly slippery twist on the classic fireside recipe. Milk chocolate and banana pair well with the smokiness of a slightly burnt marshmallow sandwiched between them.
3. Coconut peanut butter Sriracha s’more
Photo by Jenny Huang
A plain graham cracker serves as the vehicle for this s’more that draws on the South Asian flavors of coconut, peanut, and chile. The combination of Sriracha-spiced peanut butter (I used chunky) and sweetened coconut flakes transports you far from the redwoods to tropical forests and good vibes.
4. Fleur de sel s’more
Photo by Jenny Huang
A spoonful of dulce de leche with a dash of sea salt gives an ultra-gooey sophistication to this s’more. A glamper’s delight: It is simple yet indulgent, and can hold its own on any cracker.
5. Ferrero s’more
Photo by Jenny Huang
Taking its name from the traditional Italian hazelnut truffle, this combination is the crème de la crème of campfire eats. Cut a slit in the marshmallow and insert a hazelnut securely. Roast over the fire until golden brown. Serve between two wafer cookies with a generous dollop of Nutella and sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts.
Get your stress-ball self out of town. Build a fire and roast a marshmallow. These positively unordinary flavors are bound to leave you wanting s’more.