Indoor S'mores

In honor of Hurricane Ike (that doesn't sound right, does it?), we promised the kids we'd make s'mores over the gas range when the power goes out. I say "when," not "if," because we're certain we will lose power at some point. Right now, David is finishing up the work outside, boarding up the windows, bracing the garage doors, etc. so we'll be ready when the hurricane comes through. I am not thrilled about the thought of not being able to cook anything, but we have to make do, right? After all, there was a time when stoves were not around.

I am sure everyone knows how to make s'mores, so I'll just give you a couple of little tips, and let the pictures tell the rest. We use wooden skewers because a recycled wire hanger gets very hot, and I'd rather not let the kids handle hot metal. When you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 1/2 an hour before you use them. Otherwise, you'll have a nice burnt wood aftertaste along with your toasted marshmallows.

Indoor S'mores

1 box regular graham crackers (you can also use the cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers)

1 16 ounce bag of large marshmallows

1 package of milk chocolate bars, broken into squares (dark chocolate is really good too)

Large wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1/2 hour before using)

Fire up your gas range, or your fireplace. If you use the gas range, turn the flame down to low. It's good to have one adult sitting with the kids at all times (in our house, that's Daddy), and another adult handing out ingredients as necessary (aka, Mom). I like to arrange everything on a big platter so I can keep an eye on things (and keep the kids from snitching too much chocolate :-).

Toast the marshmallows to your liking...some like them brown, some like them burnt. We let the kids toast their own marshmallows, but help transfer them to a plate that is already set up with a graham cracker and a square of chocolate.

Nothing left to do but eat! This is one time where finger licking is allowed, and even encouraged. Who do you think likes s'mores the best in our house? Yep, that would be Gabriel! Can you even see the child under all the chocolate?

Stay safe everyone, and God bless your table tonight!