Valentine's S'mores

Valentine's S'mores

In an attempt to make as many in-house baked goods as possible, I can now cross graham cracker cookies off the list. With the sweetness of local honey and toastiness of whole wheat flour, these cookies are a necessity when assembling s'mores- the gooey, sweet treat usually enjoyed by the campfire on hot summer nights. Filled with a thick layer of squishy marshmallow (yes, homemade) and milk chocolate ganache, Valentine's Day just got a little bit more lovable. Keep reading to see how they are put together.

What's in S'mores? Grahams, Marshmallows, & Chocolate

Heart-shaped Graham Crackers

Heart-shaped Marshmallows

Milk Chocolate Ganache

Two biscuits are used to sandwich the marshmallow and chocolate filling in my s'mores. The "Graham" cracker cookie dough is prepared using a blend of locally milled whole wheat and unbleached flours. Combined with creamy butter and sweetened with local honey and brown sugar, the dough is hand-rolled and cut into heart shapes. To help ensure even baking, I hand-stamp the characteristic holes in the grahams with a wooden skewer. Baked until golden brown, the cookies are then allowed to cool before assembling. *Note: I use the term 'Graham' loosely, as the true crackers actually contain a specific type of flour named for the man who supposedly created the original biscuit. I have yet to source the flour but I'm quite happy with the whole-wheat flavour.

Homemade marshmallows taste completely different from the grocery store versions you may be used to. In my opinion, there is no comparison taste & texture wise. Marshmallows are traditionally prepared with whipped egg whites, sugar syrup and set with gelatin to form a springy, airy, meltable confection with the delicate flavour of vanilla. Store-bought versions are typically denser, chewy and often contain synthetic dyes and flavours. Marshmallows are surrounded in controversy and make no mistake- I consider marshmallows to be just like other confections- a treat to be enjoyed occasionally. By preparing them from scratch, unnecessary additives and ingredients are avoided and the taste can be of a true flavour such as vanilla bean.

• Gelatin is a neutral tasting ingredient in marshmallows which some vegetarians and all vegans choose to avoid as it is derived from the collagen in animal carcasses. The purpose of gelatin in this candy is to set the airy texture. I use gelatin in my marshmallows. If you wish to prepare your own and gelatin is a concern, a vegan substitute (agar agar) is available in some health food stores.
  

• Egg whites are an ingredient found in many marshmallows. Egg whites help contribute to a fluffier marshmallow. If you prefer to not consume eggs, check the list of ingredients or ask the chef if their version of the candy contains egg. I use egg whites in my marshmallows.
  
• Do I need to address the issue of cane sugar or corn syrup in a candy? Ok- marshmallows are also made with cane sugar and corn syrup. Corn syrup is often an addition in confectionary as it helps prevent 'crystallization' as well as sweeten. In most cases for home candymaking, recipes will call for a small amount of corn syrup, such as 2 Tablespoons, in a batch that makes 40 portions. If this amount is too much for your liking, you have the option of experimenting with substitutions or omitting the syrup entirely. Liquid glucose or agave syrup could be used as a substitute, but both of these ingredients are refined and are sugar, so don't think that by using them the marshmallows will become 'healthy'. Marshmallows are CANDY. I use cane sugar and agave syrup in my marshmallows.
  

The final vital component in s'mores is a milk chocolate ganache. Simply put- it is milk chocolate melted with heavy cream to create a smooth, soft, chocolate layer. Dark chocolate could be substituted instead but I prefer a sweeter, lighter chocolate in s'mores as to not overpower the delicate vanilla flavour in the marshmallows.

Toasting marshmallows with a blow torch.

Heart-shaped S'mores for Valentine's Day

Valentine's S'mores are available for a limited time from Elgin Harvest. Each s'more comes individually wrapped in cellophane and ribbon. S'mores are best consumed immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen up-to a month. $3 each. Please contact Elgin Harvest by email for more information. Wholesale orders are welcomed.