The s’more, a classic campfire treat consisting of a toasted marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate, has been a staple of outdoor gatherings and camping trips for generations. But have you ever wondered who came up with this delicious combination? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the s’more and explore the various claims of its origin.
A Brief History of the S’more
The concept of combining marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers dates back to the early 20th century. The first recorded reference to a s’more-like treat was in the 1927 publication of “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” a guidebook for Girl Scouts that included a recipe for “Some Mores,” a campfire treat consisting of toasting marshmallows and sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate.
However, it’s unlikely that the Girl Scouts were the first to come up with this idea. The combination of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers was likely inspired by the popular Victorian-era treat, the “sandwich,” which consisted of two biscuits or crackers filled with a sweet or savory filling.
The Role of the Campfire in S’more History
The campfire played a crucial role in the development of the s’more. The tradition of gathering around the campfire to roast marshmallows and share stories dates back to ancient times. The campfire was a central part of many cultures, serving as a gathering place for communities to come together and share food, stories, and experiences.
In the United States, the campfire became an integral part of the camping experience, particularly in the early 20th century. As camping became more popular, the need for simple, easy-to-prepare foods that could be cooked over an open flame grew. The s’more, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, was the perfect solution.
The Impact of the Great Depression on S’more Popularity
The Great Depression had a significant impact on the popularity of the s’more. As people looked for ways to entertain themselves on a budget, camping and outdoor activities became increasingly popular. The s’more, with its affordable ingredients and easy preparation, became a staple of these outdoor gatherings.
The s’more also became a symbol of comfort and nostalgia during this time. As people struggled to make ends meet, the s’more represented a simple pleasure that could be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Claimants to the S’more Throne
While the exact origin of the s’more is unclear, several individuals and organizations have claimed to be the creators of this beloved treat.
One of the most popular claims comes from the Girl Scouts, who, as mentioned earlier, published a recipe for “Some Mores” in their 1927 guidebook. However, it’s unlikely that the Girl Scouts were the first to come up with this idea, as the combination of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers was likely inspired by earlier treats.
Another claimant to the s’more throne is the candy company, Hershey’s. According to Hershey’s, the company’s founder, Milton Hershey, created the s’more as a way to promote his chocolate bars. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and it’s likely that Hershey’s simply capitalized on the popularity of the s’more to promote their products.
The Role of Marketing in S’more History
Marketing played a significant role in the popularization of the s’more. In the mid-20th century, companies like Hershey’s and Kraft began to market the s’more as a convenient and easy-to-prepare treat that could be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The s’more was also promoted as a way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends. Advertisements often featured images of happy campers gathered around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and enjoying s’mores.
The Impact of Social Media on S’more Popularity
In recent years, social media has played a significant role in the popularity of the s’more. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made it easy for people to share images and recipes for s’mores, and the treat has become a staple of outdoor gatherings and camping trips.
The s’more has also become a popular subject for food bloggers and influencers, who often share creative variations and recipes for the treat.
The Cultural Significance of the S’more
The s’more has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the joy and simplicity of outdoor gatherings and camping trips. The treat has also become a staple of American culture, representing a nostalgic and comforting part of many people’s childhoods.
The s’more has also played a significant role in popular culture, appearing in films, television shows, and music. The treat has been referenced in everything from “The Simpsons” to “The Great Outdoors,” and has become a cultural touchstone for many people.
The S’more as a Symbol of Community
The s’more has also become a symbol of community and togetherness. The treat is often enjoyed in groups, and the act of roasting marshmallows and sharing s’mores has become a way to bond with others and create lasting memories.
The s’more has also become a staple of community events and gatherings, such as camping trips, picnics, and festivals. The treat is often served at these events, and has become a way to bring people together and create a sense of community.
The S’more as a Symbol of Nostalgia
The s’more has also become a symbol of nostalgia, representing a simpler and more carefree time. The treat is often associated with childhood memories of camping trips and outdoor gatherings, and has become a way to recapture those memories and feelings.
The s’more has also become a way to connect with others who share similar memories and experiences. The treat has become a cultural touchstone, representing a shared experience and a common language that can be understood by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
The origins of the s’more may be unclear, but one thing is certain: the treat has become a beloved and iconic part of American culture. From its humble beginnings as a simple campfire treat to its current status as a cultural icon, the s’more has become a staple of outdoor gatherings and camping trips.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe or prefer to get creative with your s’mores, there’s no denying the treat’s enduring appeal. So next time you’re gathered around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing s’mores with friends and family, remember the rich history and cultural significance behind this beloved treat.
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Publication of “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” | The first recorded reference to a s’more-like treat, “Some Mores,” is published in the Girl Scouts’ guidebook. |
| 1930s | The Great Depression | The s’more becomes a popular treat during the Great Depression, as people look for ways to entertain themselves on a budget. |
| 1950s | Marketing campaigns | Companies like Hershey’s and Kraft begin to market the s’more as a convenient and easy-to-prepare treat. |
| 2000s | Social media | Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest make it easy for people to share images and recipes for s’mores, further popularizing the treat. |
In conclusion, the s’more is a treat that has become an integral part of American culture, symbolizing the joy and simplicity of outdoor gatherings and camping trips. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe or prefer to get creative with your s’mores, there’s no denying the treat’s enduring appeal.
What is the origin of the s’more?
The origin of the s’more is a topic of debate among historians and food enthusiasts. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the s’more, it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The term “s’more” is a contraction of the phrase “some more,” which was likely used by campers and outdoor enthusiasts to request another serving of the tasty treat.
The concept of sandwiching a toasted marshmallow between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate dates back to the 1920s and 1930s, when camping and outdoor activities became increasingly popular in the United States. The first known reference to a s’more-like treat was in the 1927 publication of “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” which included a recipe for “Some Mores.”
Who is credited with inventing the s’more?
While it is impossible to attribute the invention of the s’more to a single person, the Girl Scouts of America are often credited with popularizing the treat. The organization’s 1927 publication of “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” included a recipe for “Some Mores,” which consisted of toasting marshmallows over a campfire and sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate.
The Girl Scouts’ recipe for “Some Mores” was likely inspired by earlier campfire treats, such as the “graham cracker sandwich” and the “toasted marshmallow.” However, the Girl Scouts’ recipe is often credited with popularizing the s’more as we know it today, and the organization remains closely associated with the treat.
What are the traditional ingredients of a s’more?
The traditional ingredients of a s’more are simple: a toasted marshmallow, a piece of chocolate, and two graham crackers. The marshmallow is typically toasted over a campfire or other open flame, while the chocolate and graham crackers are used to create a sandwich around the marshmallow.
The type of chocolate and graham crackers used in a s’more can vary, but traditional recipes often call for milk chocolate and plain graham crackers. Some variations of the s’more may include additional ingredients, such as nuts or caramel sauce, but the traditional recipe remains a beloved favorite among campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
How do you toast a marshmallow for a s’more?
Toasting a marshmallow for a s’more is an art that requires patience and attention to detail. The marshmallow should be held over the campfire or other open flame, rotating it slowly to achieve even toasting. The ideal level of toasting is a matter of personal preference, but most people prefer their marshmallows to be lightly toasted on the outside and gooey on the inside.
To achieve the perfect level of toasting, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the marshmallow and adjust its position over the flame as needed. Some people prefer to use a marshmallow roasting stick or skewer to hold the marshmallow over the flame, while others prefer to use a pair of tongs or a fork.
Can you make s’mores without a campfire?
While traditional s’mores are made over a campfire, it is possible to make s’mores without one. There are several alternatives to toasting marshmallows over a campfire, including using a kitchen torch, a microwave, or a conventional oven.
To make s’mores without a campfire, simply toast the marshmallow using your preferred method and assemble the s’more as usual. Some people also use pre-toasted marshmallows or marshmallow fluff as a substitute for traditional toasted marshmallows.
What are some variations of the traditional s’more?
While the traditional s’more recipe remains a beloved favorite, there are many variations of the treat that can be made using different ingredients and cooking methods. Some popular variations of the s’more include using different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, and adding additional ingredients, such as nuts or caramel sauce.
Other variations of the s’more may include using different types of marshmallows, such as giant marshmallows or marshmallow fluff, and experimenting with different types of graham crackers, such as chocolate-flavored or cinnamon-flavored graham crackers.
Why are s’mores a popular campfire treat?
S’mores are a popular campfire treat for many reasons. One reason is that they are easy to make and require minimal ingredients and equipment. S’mores are also a fun and interactive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Another reason why s’mores are a popular campfire treat is that they evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition. For many people, making s’mores over a campfire is a beloved childhood memory that is closely associated with outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.