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S'mores is a well known, traditional treat for folks around the campfire. S'mores is believed to be a contraction of "some more" invented by Louis Caron, Sr. It's origins have been traced back to Girl Scout handbooks as early as 1927.

There are differing recipes and ideas for S'mores but the original recipe called for graham crackers, marshmallows and milk chocolate. Traditionally, one would place a marshmallow on the end of a skewer or stick and hold it close to the flame of the campfire. This would warm the marshmallow and when placed inside two graham crackers with chocolate, the marshmallow would soften or melt the chocolate for a yummy treat.

Cookie s'mores are a variation which omits the need for chocolate by using fudge striped cookies. Placing the warm marshmallow between two cookies would form a sweet sandwich without having to add chocolate. Peanut butter s'mores are made with peanut butter cups instead of plain chocolate. The cups would melt with the marshmallow and provide a sweet, nutty taste.

S'mores have become such an American staple that many supermarkets and grocery stores place graham crackers, marshmallows and Hershey's chocolate bars on the same shelf in the summertime. Their hopes are if you weren't planning on having s'mores, you couldn't walk away from the temptation. There are even kits available to make s'mores at home. It contains a heating element to melt the marshmallow, metal skewers to place the marshmallow on and a lazy Susan device to hold all the necessary ingredients. A s'more can be prepared in the microwave and the consumer may watch the marshmallow swell to unbelievable sizes while heating. Many folks shy away from this method as it removes the crunch of the graham cracker and makes it soft.

There have been several foods created based on s'mores. Pop-Tarts features a S'mores treat that has a graham cracker crust, chocolate and marshmallow icing with chocolate icing on top. Ideally the treats would be placed in a toaster to warm them through and get the full effect. Many people using chocolate icing or peanut butter for flavor preferences but also the frosting and peanut butter can act as a glue to hold the sandwich together.

For those who aren't outdoorsy or fans of campfires, s'mores can be made using an indoor fireplace. You can enjoy the sweet treat from inside the home and won't be bothered by mosquitoes that are after your food. A gas burner stove can also be used on cold days or on holidays.

Reportedly, August 10th is National S'more Day but congress has not made it official so it is celebrated by those who know the date. Certainly don't limit your s'mores to one day of the year. They're the perfect ending to a long workday or day spent working outside. You certainly won't need to force your kids to spend time with you around the campfire if you've got chocolate and marshmallows.

For those who want a larger treat, s'mores can be stacked as large as the mouth can open. Layer the melted marshmallows and chocolate in between 4 or 6 graham crackers for a larger reward.

Read more about how to make s'mores here.