S'mores In The UK: What Are They Called?

by Jhon Lennon 41 views

Hey there, dessert lovers! Ever wondered what those gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy treats called s'mores are known as across the pond in England, especially at Tesco? Well, you're in the right place! Let's dive into the delicious world of s'mores and their UK counterparts.

What Exactly are S'mores?

First things first, let's get down to the basics. S'mores are a classic American campfire treat. Imagine this: you've got a perfectly toasted marshmallow, smooshed between a square of chocolate and two graham crackers. The heat from the marshmallow melts the chocolate just enough to create a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert. The name "s'more" is actually a contraction of "some more," because, let's be honest, who can stop at just one?

The History of S'mores

The history of s'mores is as sweet as the treat itself. While the exact origin is a bit hazy, the first documented s'mores recipe appeared in a 1927 Girl Scout guidebook titled "Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts." However, it's widely believed that similar versions of the treat were being made around campfires long before then. Girl Scouts played a huge role in popularizing s'mores, and they quickly became a staple of American camping culture.

Why S'mores are So Popular

So, what makes s'mores so popular? Several factors contribute to their appeal:

  • Simplicity: S'mores require just three ingredients and minimal effort to assemble. This makes them perfect for camping trips or backyard bonfires.
  • Nostalgia: For many Americans, s'mores evoke childhood memories of summer camps, family vacations, and cozy nights around the campfire. That nostalgic connection adds to their charm.
  • Taste: Let's face it, the combination of gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker is simply delicious. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors that appeals to people of all ages.
  • Customization: While the classic s'more is hard to beat, there's plenty of room for experimentation. You can use different types of chocolate, add peanut butter, or swap out the graham crackers for cookies. The possibilities are endless!

S'mores in the UK: A Different Story

Now, let's hop over to the United Kingdom and see how s'mores are perceived. While s'mores are gaining popularity in the UK, they aren't quite as ubiquitous as they are in the United States. You might not find them at every corner store or café, but they are definitely on the radar of British foodies.

Availability at Tesco

Tesco, one of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, does stock s'mores-related items, especially during the summer months and around bonfire night (November 5th). However, you might not find pre-made s'mores kits. Instead, you'll likely need to buy the individual components:

  • Marshmallows: Tesco offers a variety of marshmallows, from classic white ones to flavored options. Look for the larger marshmallows, which are perfect for toasting.
  • Chocolate: You'll find a wide selection of chocolate bars at Tesco. Milk chocolate is the traditional choice for s'mores, but you can experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate.
  • Biscuits: Instead of graham crackers, which are less common in the UK, you can use digestive biscuits or Rich Tea biscuits. These provide a similar crunchy base for your s'mores.

What are S'mores Called in England?

This is where it gets interesting. In England, s'mores are generally just called s'mores! The name has been directly imported from the US. However, because they aren't a traditional British treat, there isn't a widely recognized alternative name. You might occasionally hear them referred to as "marshmallow and chocolate biscuits" or something similar, but "s'mores" is the most common term, especially among those who are familiar with the American treat.

Making Your Own S'mores in the UK

Okay, so you're in the UK and craving some s'mores? No problem! Here’s how you can create your own delicious version:

Ingredients:

  • Marshmallows (look for large ones)
  • Chocolate bars (milk, dark, or your favorite)
  • Digestive biscuits or Rich Tea biscuits

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Marshmallow: The most crucial step! You can use a campfire, barbecue, or even a gas stove. Just be careful not to burn the marshmallow – aim for a golden-brown, gooey center.
  2. Assemble the S'more: Place a piece of chocolate on a biscuit. Then, carefully place the toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate. Finally, top with another biscuit to create a sandwich.
  3. Smush and Enjoy: Gently press the biscuits together so that the marshmallow squishes the chocolate. Let it sit for a few seconds to allow the chocolate to melt, then enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect S'more:

  • Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the s'more. Splurge on a decent chocolate bar for the best flavor.
  • Don't Over-Toast the Marshmallow: A slightly gooey marshmallow is ideal. If it's too burnt, it will be bitter.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a thin layer of peanut butter, Nutella, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a unique twist.
  • Get Creative with Biscuits: While digestive biscuits are a good substitute for graham crackers, feel free to experiment with other types of cookies or biscuits.

S'mores Variations and Twists

Want to take your s'mores game to the next level? Here are a few fun variations to try:

  • Peanut Butter S'mores: Add a thin layer of peanut butter to the biscuit before adding the chocolate and marshmallow. The peanut butter adds a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and marshmallow perfectly.
  • Nutella S'mores: Swap out the chocolate bar for a spoonful of Nutella. The hazelnut-chocolate spread adds a rich, decadent twist to the classic s'more.
  • Salted Caramel S'mores: Drizzle a bit of salted caramel sauce over the marshmallow before adding the top biscuit. The combination of sweet and salty is simply irresistible.
  • S'mores Dip: For a party-friendly version, try making s'mores dip. Simply melt chocolate chips and marshmallows in a skillet until gooey, then serve with graham crackers or biscuits for dipping.
  • S'mores Brownies: Incorporate s'mores ingredients into your favorite brownie recipe. Add crushed graham crackers to the batter and top with marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking. The result is a fudgy, gooey, s'mores-inspired brownie that's sure to impress.

The Growing Popularity of S'mores in the UK

While s'mores may not be a traditional British treat, their popularity is definitely on the rise. Thanks to social media, travel, and the increasing availability of American products in the UK, more and more Brits are discovering the joys of s'mores. You can now find s'mores-themed desserts at some cafes and restaurants, and many people are making their own s'mores at home.

Why are S'mores Becoming More Popular?

  • Exposure to American Culture: American movies, TV shows, and social media have all played a role in introducing s'mores to a wider audience in the UK.
  • Nostalgia and Comfort Food: Like many comfort foods, s'mores evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness. They're a simple treat that can transport you back to childhood memories of campfires and summer nights.
  • Easy to Make at Home: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, anyone can make s'mores at home. This makes them a perfect treat for families, parties, or even a cozy night in.
  • Versatility: S'mores can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter, or salted caramel, there's a s'mores variation for everyone.

Conclusion

So, to answer the original question: in England, especially at Tesco, s'mores are generally just called s'mores. While you might not find pre-made s'mores kits, you can easily create your own version using marshmallows, chocolate, and digestive biscuits. With their growing popularity and simple ingredients, s'mores are a treat that everyone can enjoy, no matter where they are. So go ahead, grab some marshmallows and get toasting! You won't regret it!