A toasted marshmallow. A chunk of chocolate. Two graham crackers. That’s a not-so-secret recipe for something many of you may have indulged in over the holiday weekend. I had two.

Of course, I am referencing one of the easiest North American snacks to make and one of the more difficult ones to spell. Is it a s’more? Or a smore? Or some other variation? I am not sure, but I know one thing; it is delicious.

We spent a portion of two evenings this past weekend with friends and family around two separate campfires. After shaking the bit of residual rust off the campfire skewers, we settled in to the snaps, crackles and pops of the firewood and got sticky.

Those of you who have done the same, whether in recent years or not, know there is a science to making a s’more, and it really depends on who the s’more chef is. Some purists like their marshmallows mostly raw. Others prefer them charred to a crispy crunch. I want mine somewhere in the middle — golden brown and gooey.

The name s’more is said to be a contraction of the phrase “some more.” The initial recipe apparently was in a Campfire Marshmallows cookbook in the early 1920s. Back then, it was called a “Graham Cracker Sandwich,” and why not? The article I read said this was already a popular treat with both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. Not too many years later, a recipe for “Some More” was published in the now awkwardly named “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.” A variation of names followed, including “marshmallow toasts” and “s’mores hikes.”

My oldest daughter, Sara, makes s’mores in the microwave “Hamilton-style,” fondly named after one of her favorite elementary school teachers who made these in her classroom. It’s not quite the same, but it works in a pinch. Some people even make s’mores in the oven, over a stove's flame, in an air fryer, or in a panini press. Seriously.

My middle daughter, Samantha, swaps the Hershey chocolate bar for a mini-Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and it is truly mouth-watering. I have been told that Nutella or Peeps are delicious, too, but I am eagerly awaiting Easter time to try a s’more with a Cadbury Crème Egg.

My youngest daughter, Abby, simply makes sure we have all the necessary materials to make s’mores, and she is kind enough to make one for me each time. And if I want a second? I just have to ask for s’more.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

Summer Arts & Entertainment Guide

By Cyote Williams

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming — and the cicadas are coming. But that won’t stop us, and it shouldn’t stop you, from enjoying the seemingly endless entertainment that graces central Iowa during its warmest months. Artwork from the world-renowned to the area’s brightest up and coming talents. From Broadway shows to community theaters. Symphonies to singers. Cracks of the bat to thoroughbreds and racecars rounding curves. CITYVIEW’s events section details the best community celebrations, farmers markets, skillet throws and conventions for most every interest. We have it here in one place to help you make summer 2024 unforgettable.

[...]

Competing for time
Pickleball chemistry on the court with son, dad

By Jackie Wilson

Elliot Liesland’s goal this summer is to beat his dad, Rob, at pickleball. He feels confident in his abilities, which he has sharpened over the past few years.

“My cousin and I always try to beat my dad and uncle. We have a chance to beat them. I think this summer, we can do it,” he says.
Elliot, 17, and his dad, Rob, both of Clive, began playing pickleball together in 2019 with their extended family. Rob’s mother-in-law had a pickleball set, and Elliot begin playing with it. Rob played competitively, while Elliott began improving his skills. The two either play each other or play doubles with other players.

They often play outdoor courses, such as Walker Johnson Park or at Dinks Pickleball, an indoor course.

[...]

Happy Birthday Will Reiher!

These celebrities were born on this date:Phil Foden, Alec Benjamin, Kylie Minogue, Kyle Walker, Eyedress, Maisie Peters, Gladys Knight, Jake Johnson, Jerry West, Jep Robertson, Michael Oher

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

How do you make Budweiser? SEND BUD TO SCHOOL! - Rex Post, Gail Tomlinson, Lori Bluml, Carolyn Rogers, Donna Willems, Judy Anderson, William Snyder, Brendan Comito, Martha Wittkowski, Jeff Muller, George Cockayne

Today's riddle

What do you call it when two musical groups try to outdo each other?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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Dan Juffer
Senior Account Executive
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dan.juffer@dmcityview.com

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