Sticky Summer Fun: Tabletop S'mores #LetsMakeSmores

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Summer is almost here! My biggest goal for the school break is to let my kids be kids.  Time to get sweaty riding bikes, dirty helping in the garden and sticky faces from popsicles.  It's hard for me to just let them go sometimes--I'm worried they'll crack their heads open from the slide or something.  It's total Mama-paranoia.  I was a really cautious kid, so when Maddie is swinging from the "big kid" monkey bars, I freak.  

Do you remember summers as a kid? I feel like we were always outside, taking the occasional break for a snack.  I went to quite a few camps too: art, science, writing, Zoo.  In middle school, I started going to band camp.  The first time I watched American Pie with Ricky, I told him I went to the band camp that the movie was based on and he said "that's probably not something to brag about!".  I know I was a total nerd...and I still am.  I'm proud to be the circle in a room of squares.  When I look back and remember sleep away camp, I always think of s'mores! 

Over Memorial Day weekend, our schedule is clear for the first weekend in a LONG time and we decided to enjoy as much family time as possible.  Olivia and I went to Walmart to pick up all of the necessary s'more supplies.  In the seasonal department (ours is by the cards), they have a center display with all of the essentials for you.  Check your coupons, we have a $1.00 off coupon, too! Tabletop s'mores are a quick, easy solution for summertime: weeknight meals, get-togethers, BBQs, parties--you name it! If you have a larger gathering, get 2-3 different terra cotta pots going at once.

I'm sure you already know exactly how to make s'mores, but I do have a few GAME CHANGING products to tell you about!  Honey Maid has new graham squares which are ah-mazing.  Don't you hate when you're trying to split the crackers and you end up with a broken one?  Or the whole 3 and 1 rectangle situation? There are also new Jet-Puffed S'moreMallows which are flatter and square.  We had to try regular AND chocolate stripe.  They toast up perfectly every time--whether you want them burned to a crisp or slightly brown. (I'm a set-the-marshmallow-on-fire gal)

A few years ago on 4th of July, we tried doing Tabletop S'mores with the girls and we've never gone back.  We have a small fire pit, but never really use it.  I love that you don't always need a campfire to make s'mores! It's MUCH easier to just do them at our patio table. All you need is a terra cotta pot (6 inches or larger), some foil and charcoal--voila, mini fire pit!  It's relatively safe for kids, considering there's fire involved. 

How to Make a Tabletop S'more Station
Obligatory note: although this is called "Tabletop", that means outdoor table.  NEVER do these inside. 

What You Need:

• 6 inch (or larger) terra cotta plant pot
• Foil 
• Charcoal 
• Match light is best, so you don't have to deal with lighter fluid.  Heads up: the Walmart brand charcoal is really cheap and works SO well. It's our go-to!!
• Candle Lighter or long matches
• Long roasting forks
• S'more essentials

1. Line your pot 2-3 times with foil.  Place charcoal inside. I usually do 5-6 pieces.
2. Light charcoal.  You will use the higher flame to toast the marshmallows, so don't wait too long!
3. Roast marshmallows and make s'mores!  SO simple, right?
4. NOTE: The pot gets very hot, obviously--be sure to keep little hands away from it! I like to use forks with extenders so they aren't too close to the flame.

We like to try fun new toppings in our station.  Reese's Peanut Butter cups are SO tasty!  My new favorite is what I call the Elvis S'more: add your favorite peanut butter (or Almond/Sunflower butter), the Hershey's chocolate, sliced bananas and top with the toasted S'moreMallow! 

Any day can be s'mores day--make some tonight!  Have you tried tabletop fire pits yet?