Go Bananas for Sm’nanas: The S’more Alternative for Campfires
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What’s Up, Hungry People!
S’mores are practically synonymous with campfire cooking. But what if I told you there’s a slightly more virtuous way to get that gooey, chocolaty fix? Forget those graham crackers; say hello to sm’nanas!
The Anatomy of a Sm’nana
Sm’nanas are a simple yet ingenious twist on the classic s’more. They can be crafted with any kind of chocolate you have lying around, and marshmallows of any size are welcome to the party. I’ve experimented with various combinations, from peanut butter chips to mini peanut butter cups. Trust me, you can’t go wrong; it’s all about your personal preference.
Here’s What You Need
- Bananas: Serve as the base of the dessert, providing natural sweetness and a fruity counterpoint to the chocolate and marshmallows.
- Mini Marshmallows: These bring the gooey, sugary element, puffing up when heated for a delightful texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Offer that essential chocolaty kick, melting into a rich, velvety sauce that coats the bananas and marshmallows.
Let’s Cook!
For my sm’nanas, I went with the open-face method, cooked to perfection on a preheated cast iron grill over an open flame. Just let those bad boys cook until the marshmallows have puffed up like tiny, fluffy clouds and the chocolate gets all gooey and melty.
The surface of the cast-iron helps in even cooking and gives your sm’nanas a little extra char, which pairs amazingly with the sweetness of the marshmallow and chocolate.
Extra Tips and Troubleshooting
- Preheat Thoroughly: Make sure your cast-iron grill is well preheated; otherwise, you won’t get that satisfying melty-gooey result.
- Check Foil Integrity: Ensure there are no holes in your foil packet. You don’t want any precious ingredients falling through!
- Size Matters: If you’re using larger marshmallows or chocolate chunks, you might need to extend the cooking time a bit.
- Temperature Gauge: The outdoor temperature can affect cooking time. If it’s chilly out, give it an extra couple of minutes.
- Variety is the Spice of Life: Feel free to mix in some other sweet or savory chips—like white chocolate or butterscotch—for a different flavor profile.
And just like that, you’ve ventured beyond the traditional s’more and into the delicious realm of sm’nanas! This is all about keeping the fireside fun while introducing a unique twist. Give these a whirl the next time you find yourself craving something sweet by the campfire. Trust me, your taste buds—and your fellow Hungry People—will thank you. Happy cooking!
Sm’nanas | Campfire Cooking
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 bananas
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat a cast-iron grill over an open fire. You'll want it nice and hot, so give it about two hours to reach the optimal temperature.
- While the grill is heating, prepare a foil sheet that's wide enough to hold all three bananas. Peel those bananas and place them in the center of the foil sheet.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly over the bananas. Now, fold the edges of the foil up to create a neat little packet.
- Place the foil packet on the preheated grill and let it cook for about 5 to 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the marshmallows have puffed up and the chocolate has turned into a glorious, melty puddle. Enjoy!