Confectionery lovers in the US today commemorate the history and legacy of their beloved campfire delicacy, the S’more. Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, National S’mores Day is celebrated on 10th of August when s’more aficionados will cook, relish, and discuss this gooey treat. On this special occasion, many would want to look back and recount the history and evolution of this nationwide ubiquitous treat.
There are two versions about the origin of s’mores. One rendition credits the invention of s’mores to the American entrepreneur Alec Barnum, back in the 1800s. However, many have dismissed this as a mythical explanation for the origin of the confection. The second account of its origin goes back to 1927 when Loretta Scott Crew, a Girl Scout troop leader, is credited with publishing the first recorded recipe of “some more,” which later became “s’more.” The recipe is believed to have been published in a 1927 issue of Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.
In 1974, the recipe was officially recorded in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “s’mores.” Purportedly, the name for the treat was coined as such because everyone kept asking for “some more.”
S'mores kicked off in an uncomplicated manner, involving two graham crackers gently hugging a toasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate in between. The marshmallow getting roasted on an open flame during a campfire for the gooey texture contributed a lot to the dessert being universally relished. As years and decades progressed, and love for the confection only grew, people began giving new spins to the making of “s’mores.”
“S’mores” have also, undoubtedly, inspired countless gourmet s’mores with diverse ingredients. The dessert has often become a canvas for confection lovers to experiment and create new delicacies that appeal to both taste buds and aesthetics. By infusing flavored marshmallows, artisanal chocolates, and various kinds of spreads, unique renditions of “s’mores” have become popular across the U.S.
National S’mores Day would be a perfect day for the s’more lover to gather with friends by the campfire, cook unique versions of s’mores, and share their love for this treat.