TOLEDO, OH -- There’s nothing better than enjoying your outdoor nighttime landscaping by the glow of the fire. If you are lucky enough to be able to enjoy a camp out in your neighborhood, chances are, you have stuck a marshmallow over the fire for a favorite summer dessert. 

But, move over chocolate and marshmallows. There are other ingredients to that back yard S’More party. Our family likes to try a few of our favorite candy bars between unconventional graham crackers. Why not try and jazz it up a bit with a few of my gourmet concoctions. 

Banana Split S’Mores – Start out by roasting a strawberry marshmallow. Sandwich it between a plain chocolate bar, slice of fresh banana, slice of fresh strawberry and cinnamon graham crackers.

God Bless America – Combine a plain roasted marshmallow with a Rolo. Push the Rolo into the middle of the marshmallow so it will melt quickly. Then top it with a couple slices of fresh strawberry and one big blueberry. It’s another wonderful combination that will make you say, “God Bless America!”

Minty Snap – If peppermint is your favorite flavor, try roasting a plain marshmallow and pairing it with a mini peppermint patty. But instead of sliding it on graham crackers, why not put it between ginger snap cookies! You may never go back to graham crackers again!

It’s a Joy – Mini Almond Joy candy bars have become a standard in our Smores basket. If you like coconut, add one to a plain marshmallow and chocolate graham crackers.

You’re a Nut! – Being out of peanut butter in our family is just like being out of milk. We can’t last long without it. So, we had to add Reeses Peanut Butter Cups to our list of gourmet Smores. Plop a peanut butter cup on top of a plain marshmallow and cinnamon graham crackers and enjoy this true indulgence.

Pina Smorlada – You’ll feel like you are at an island resort with this sweet mixture. Start out by roasting a coconut marshmallow. Once it is hot, smash it between small chunk of white chocolate, a thin slice of fresh pineapple and two vanilla wafers. You’ll be singing Jimmy Buffet songs before you know it!

Peach Smobbler – Do you love peach cobbler? You will love the Smobbler. Roast a coconut marshmallow and smoosh a Rolo in the middle. Add two thin slices of fresh peach and finish it off with cinnamon graham crackers.

Cherry Good – You might like the sweet taste of a treat topped with a cherry. Start out with a strawberry marshmallow and roast it until it is soft and puffy. Mix it with dried cherries and a small piece of a dark chocolate bar between two small chocolate chip cookies.

Milk & Cookies – Chocolate marshmallows aren’t forgotten here! Roast a chocolate marshmallow and mix it with a small piece of cookies and cream chocolate bar and plain graham crackers and you will be begging for another glass of milk to go with your new favorite midnight snack.

 Smore Turtles – Its good with ice cream, so why not marshmallow? Roast a plain marshmallow, then top it off with a caramel and pecan candy between two chocolate graham crackers. Ooooo. You won’t want to share this one with anyone!

If you have some gourmet Smore ideas, send me an email and I’ll give them a try!