If you’re looking for a project to dig up some summer fun,
try your hand at serving up a s’mores bar.
Whether you’re entertaining weekend guests or simply livening up a
family weeknight dessert, a s’mores bar can kick things up an ooey gooey notch.
Decide on your heating method. There’s always a fire pit if you’ll be
roasting outdoors. I’ve seen the use of Sterno
cans, the little portable flames usually found beneath hot catering
dishes. There seems to be a split
decision online on whether its flame is food safe, but you can find many
examples of them being used for this very purpose. Your call. Then you also have the option of candles,
whether both tall and short white pillars clustered together on a serving
platter like your own modern twist on a fire, or individual votives on a heat
safe tray or squares of tin foil for a one-on-one flicker of marshmallow
roasting magic. Regardless, it’s
important to use good judgment and safety precautions to prevent burns or
mishaps.
Next, round up your supplies. Choose stainless skewers like those you would
use over the grill for kebobs or wooden skewers with enough length to keep
fingers away from the flame. Buy the big
marshmallows. Offer some variety for
your chocolate selection, buying bars to break apart or individually wrapped
squares. Milk, dark, or flavored
chocolate would each be welcome additions.
Some s’mores fans even opt for a chocolate or peanut butter spread for
more options. And you can’t forget about
the graham crackers, which you can also pair with other cookie or cracker
options if you want to add to the custom built element. A serving method for your goodies, paper
dessert plates, cocktail napkins, and either matches or a lighter are needed as
well.
Now present your stretchy-sticky findings to be devoured. With all of your layers spread out on summery
melamine serving trays or stacked cake stands, get your fire(s) going and
invite guests or just the kids to grab their chosen cookie or cracker layer,
piece of chocolate, and skewered marshmallow they can patiently hold over the
heat and spin to toasted perfection.
Squeeze each layer together, top it off, and enjoy. And then repeat. Again.
Whether gathered around in the backyard, on the patio, or
even around the dining table, a s’mores bar can be a simple summer project that
creates a lot of sweet memories this summer and beyond.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star June 22nd.
