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Author Rasmussen has served up in this delicious and entertaining book a most delectable treat, celebrating and elaborating upon that most popular tasty fireside concoction: the s’more. The familiar campfire favorite consists of one part graham cracker, one part Hershey chocolate bar, and one part fire-roasted marshmallow. The result is the famous s’more, so-named because once a person has tasted one, they are likely to want “some more.” The classic combo is beloved by children and adults alike and all ages in between. Divvied into multiple sections, all of which encourage the hungry reader to “expand your s’more imagination,” Rasmussen’s delightful monograph begins by presenting a “History of the S’more.” Who knew that marshmallow candy originated in ancient Egypt some 3,000 years ago or that the basic recipe calling for marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate first appeared in the Girl Scout Handbook of 1927?
The ensuing chapters offer up a useful marshmallow toasting guide, a how-to for ideal campfire building, and pages and pages of s’more alternatives, add-ons, substitutions, and downright delectable “gourmet s’more” options. Each new idea is presented elegantly and simply on the page, with an accompanying graphic and easy-to-digest recipe suggestions. An entire section on s’mores “For the Holidays” (birthday cake s’mores, Halloween s’mores, pumpkin pie s’mores, candy cane s’mores, and more) and “S’mores For Adults” (Irish Cream S’mores, Jell-O Shot S’mores, and Rum Cupcake S’mores, for example) will likely pique the interest and sweet tooth for an array of readers, covering any special time throughout the year. Finally, “S’more Do’s and Don’ts,” “S’more Safety Tips,” and “Clean-up Tips” ensure an enjoyable and safe, sweet experience for sharing in the exciting tradition with children, teens, and entire families alike.
This unique niche book is, quite simply, a load of fun. Celebrating all things s’more, Rasmussen has created a tasty testament to the classic treat while at the same time encouraging her readers to get creative themselves. This allows them to discover new takes on the traditional culinary masterpiece, including options for those wishing to “hold the chocolate,” such as Cinnamon Toast S’mores, Peanut Butter and Banana S’mores, Strawberry Shortcake S’mores, and so much more. Meanwhile, those in search of graham cracker alternatives will find selections that come to the rescue, like Rice Krispie Bars and Nilla Wafers. Ample space is additionally provided at the book’s end for the reader to record one’s own unique s’more combinations and alternative takes. Here, each original recipe is broken down into the basic three-part necessities: ingredients, prep work, and “building instructions.”
Rasmussen’s enthusiasm for all things “s’more” is both delicious and contagious. Much to the author’s credit, the fact that a large focus of the book encourages readers to roll up their sleeves, spend quality family or friend time around the old campfire, get nice and toasty, and experiment with the seemingly endless variations and possibilities for discovery of one’s own s’more recipes serves as a testament to the interactive and experimental nature of Rasmussen’s work. Indeed, the author undoubtedly seems to be enjoying the writing of this material to such a high degree that her sweet-tooth enthusiasm cannot help but rub off on any person who partakes in this whimsical, fascinating, chocolate-marshmallowy endeavor. As Rasmussen herself puts it, “I invite you to test your limits, open your mind. Let your creative juices flow—and enjoy!”
RECOMMENDED by the US Review