S’mores — those tasty treats with toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate bars squished between graham crackers — have been a camping staple since the 1920s. What started out as a dessert for Scouts as they sat around campfires has become popular with campers of all ages.
I suspect that the original S’mores were held over the fire with a stick and no frills. No longer. Almost every store features a S’mores display with not only the three necessary foods but specialty items just for this goody. You can now buy a “deluxe caddy” allowing you to store your ingredients in a carrier with right-sized compartments. They sell a “mess-free S’mores maker,” as if avoiding the sticky marshmallow was possible. There are S’mores-branded grilling baskets, light-up skewers, and cooking forks. Marshmallows now come flat (to make building your delicacy easier) and pre-stuffed with classic milk chocolate.
Just stop. You don’t need all this stuff to make S’mores. The Scouts of the 1920s would be horrified at how commercialized their little concoction has become.
Not just with S’mores, but with most things these days, you can get by with a lot less than the retailers would lead you to believe. Your kitchen doesn’t require a different appliance for every function. Your gaming system doesn’t need every accessory. Your beach bag doesn’t have to overflow with an assortment of toys and sun gear, etc.
S’more is a contraction for some and more. Try to lead your life as some but less (S’less!).
