As the summer winds down, I love reminiscing about all the memories shared with family and friends at my parents' cottage in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Polar plunges into Lake Michigan, Saturday mornings at the farmer's market, backyard volleyball with the cousins, and making s'mores around the campfire. . . well, except that we don't have a campfire. My sister Tess has lamented missing out on this summer staple for years, but unfortunately there is no solution. Unless we want to dig right into the middle of a backyard volleyball game, there is just no place to put a fire pit.
But just because we don't have a fire pit, doesn't mean we have to miss out on the quintessential summer treat—s'mores. Most people don't have fire pits or even fireplaces, but that doesn't mean s'mores have to be a distant childhood memory. So how, one might ask, do I propose we make this summer treat?! My fellow Chicagoans might suggest the stovetop, but nay, I have s'more solutions that allow you to stop worrying about burning that marshmallow altogether.
Enter s'more brownies: the s'more alternative that is less of a hassle, less of a mess, less charred marshmallows, and more satisfying. Simply whip up a boxed brownie mix (c'mon does anyone really have a from-scratch recipe that's better than Ghirardelli's or Betty Crocker's boxed version?), pour atop a graham cracker crust (à la pies and cheesecakes), and after baking, top with marshmallows. Piece of. . . s'more?
While I know these treats can't quite fill the fire pit in my sister's heart, my cousins and siblings devoured them despite the availability of the famous Tom's Mom's cookies and after a Mama T feast. (There's no better compliment to a baker like an empty platter, right?) Regardless of your fire pit status, this twist on a summer classic is sure to elicit campfire nostalgia from those you share it with, while creating modern memories—and full bellies—of its own.
S'more Brownies
Graham Cracker Crust: (adapted from Joanna Gaines' graham cracker crust recipe)
1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
6 Tbsp butter (softened)
⅓ cup sugar
1 Boxed Brownie Mix
1 Bag of Mini Marshmallows
1. Combine crushed graham cracker, softened butter, and sugar. Mix well and press into greased 9 x 9 or 8 x 8 baking dish (dependent on what your boxed brownie mix recommends). Bake for 8 minutes at 350°
2. Make brownies according to boxed mix instructions while crust is baking. Pour brownie mixture over baked graham cracker crust. Bake brownies according to box instructions, erring on the side of slightly uncooked.
3. Once brownies have almost baked, cover them completely with a layer of mini marshmallows. Broil or bake for about 5 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Big Sister Baking Tip: Always bake with room temperature ingredients. Run eggs under warm water if not yet room temperature.
With a little grace,
Kelsey
Have you tried one of the recipes from With A Little Grace? Post a picture of your treat and hashtag #bakingwithalittlegrace so we all can see how it turned out!
