Welcome to our Duran Duran inspired recipes!
Inspiration: Duran Duran “All She Wants Is”
Trust us. These Duran Duran-inspired, vodka-infused treats are your lead to heaven. But be warned. They’re not the s’mores you remember from Girl Scouts. Probably best not to give any to the shoeshine boy.
All She Wants Is Smores Ingredients:
- Graham Crackers
- Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Raspberry Squares
- Raspberries soaked in vodka
- Big marshmallows
- Vodka (to soak the raspberries in)
Instructions:
- Get your marshmallows melty and gooey over the fire. But a microwave works too if that’s what your heart says now.
- Plop the marshmallow on the graham cracker square and add a Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Raspberry square.
- Hopefully you’ve been soaking your fresh raspberries in the booze. Now is the time to add a few to your s’more.
A History of S’Mores
S’mores, the beloved campfire treat made of roasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, have a history as rich as their flavor. This classic dessert has become synonymous with summer nights, bonfires, and outdoor gatherings, but its origins are rooted in American culinary history, particularly in the world of scouting and camping.
Origins in Scouting and Camping
The first recorded recipe for s’mores can be traced back to the 1920s. The treat is believed to have been popularized by the Girl Scouts, who included the recipe in their 1927 guidebook titled Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. The recipe was called “Some More,” a name that likely originated from the natural response of anyone who tasted the delicious combination—immediately wanting “some more.” Over time, the name was shortened to “s’mores,” which became the commonly used term.
Components and Their Evolution
The three key ingredients of s’mores—graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate—each have their own distinct histories:
- Graham Crackers: Named after Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century Presbyterian minister who promoted a diet based on whole grains and temperance, graham crackers were originally a health food. Graham’s followers, known as “Grahamites,” believed in the virtues of a simple, vegetarian diet, and the crackers were designed to be part of that lifestyle. However, the crackers used in s’mores today are sweeter and more cookie-like than the original version.
- Marshmallows: Marshmallows have ancient origins, with the earliest versions made from the root of the marshmallow plant. By the 19th century, the process of making marshmallows involved whipping the plant’s sap with egg whites and sugar. Eventually, the plant was replaced with gelatin, creating the modern marshmallow that we know today. Marshmallows became a popular treat in the United States in the early 20th century, coinciding with the rise of campfire cooking.
- Chocolate: Chocolate’s history dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where it was consumed as a bitter beverage. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and eventually became a sweet treat. By the early 20th century, chocolate bars were widely available in the United States, making them a convenient addition to s’mores.
Cultural Significance and Popularity
The popularity of s’mores grew throughout the 20th century, particularly as camping and outdoor recreation became more widespread. The treat became a symbol of the great American outdoors, representing simplicity, fun, and the joy of sharing food around a campfire.
S’mores have since transcended their campfire origins, inspiring countless variations and adaptations. Today, you can find s’mores-flavored snacks, drinks, and desserts in grocery stores and restaurants. The treat has even made its way into popular culture, with references in movies, television shows, and books.
Modern Day S’mores
In modern times, s’mores are enjoyed year-round, both indoors and outdoors. Portable campfire kits, microwaveable s’mores makers, and even s’mores-flavored products have made it easier than ever to enjoy this treat without needing a campfire. While the classic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows remains the favorite, creative twists on the original recipe, such as using different types of chocolate or adding peanut butter, have also gained popularity.
S’mores continue to hold a special place in American culinary tradition, evoking nostalgia and the simple pleasures of gathering around a fire with friends and family.
Recipe © DuranDuranies.com
Songwriters: John Taylor / Nick Rhodes / Simon Le Bon
© Duran Duran