This is a total American/Canadian thing so I apologize to those of you who are puzzled by the concept of what a s’more has the potential of being. Allow me to describe one as “manna from heaven” or perhaps “sweet nectar of life.”

A s’more (sometimes spelled smore) is a traditional nighttime campfire treat popular in the United States and Canada consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker.

The word “s’more” appears to be a contraction of the phrase, “some more.” While the origin of the dessert is unclear, the first recorded version of the recipe can be found in the publication “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” of 1927. The recipe is credited to Loretta Scott Crew who reportedly made them by the campfire for the Scouts. It is unknown whether the Girl Scouts were the first to make s’mores but there appears to be no earlier claim to this snack. Although it is unknown when the name was shortened, recipes for “Some Mores” are in various Girl Scout publications until at least 1971.

Various confections containing graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow are often sold as some derivative of a s’more, however they are not necessarily heated or served in the same shape as the traditional s’more. The Hershey’s S’mores bar is one example. Pop-Tarts also feature a s’mores variety.

HOW GIRLS MAKE S’MORES:

01. Break graham cracker in half
02. Place four squares of Hershey bar on graham cracker half
03. Toast marshmallows golden brown
04. Place toasted marshmallows on Hershey bars to melt chocolate
05. Top with other half of graham cracker and eat gingerly

HOW BOYS MAKE S’MORES:

01. Eat Hershey bars
02. Burn marshmallows black
03. Eat marshmallows
04. Throw graham crackers and gooey marshmallow leftovers at girls
05. Howl with laughter