The art of the
marshmallow By Lauren Viera
S’mores have been around for the better part of a century thanks to the Girl Scouts, which invented the delectable dessert. At Paws Up, s’moreology—the so-called study of s’mores—has been around since 2016, and has only gotten better with each summer campfire. That’s due in no small part to s’moreologists: glamping butlers who pride themselves on adding signature twists to the marshmallow–chocolate– graham cracker combination. The idea, says Paws Up Director of Glamping Brian Holwerda, is to bring out the kid in people by inviting them to get in on the creativity.
The "golden" rule "Night one, they’ll teach you how to roast," Holwerda says, laying out the s’moreologist’s sweet strategy. The goal: school guests on how to roast a marshmallow to the perfect, golden-brown hue that’s ripe for pairing with ingredients. No torched ’mallows allowed.
The add-ons Once guests have a hand on the basics, s’moreologists start adding ingredients. Often at first, "There’s a lot of huckleberry," Holwerda says, naming a local favorite. But from there, anything goes. "It’s all about guest creativity." Ingredients get more exotic. Kids get excited. Sometimes a slice of leftover steak is added to the stick; sometimes a truffle. The adults get excited, too.
The ceremony By the third or fourth night, anything goes: huckleberry hot sauce, Mexican chocolate, gold-leaf glitters—the works. Campy culinary accolades are more popular with some than others, Holwerda admits. But for those excited to play along, it’s a Paws Up rite of passage.
Celebrate National S'mores Day at Paws Up on August 10 with pro tips from world-class pastry chef Waylynn Lucas.