Recipe Mutiny steals recipes from food blogs and recipe sites. Then we publish them. With credit (Naturally).
Friday, August 9, 2019
Our S’mores Bars Are Basically Summer Christmas Crack
S’mores bars are a perfect potluck dessert, especially during summer. And while it’s not no-bake, our best s’mores bar recipe is absolutely worth turning on the oven for. It takes just eight ingredients and about 30 minutes to make, and serves a big crowd of happy people.
Why S’mores Bars?
Chowhound’s Best S’mores Recipe Ideas
Actual, good old-fashioned s’mores are not exactly complicated—roast a marshmallow, combine it with chocolate and graham crackers, et voila—and yet it’s surprising how often they just…don’t happen. When you’re camping, sure, but at cookouts and BBQs, the grill is often cold by the time you’re in the mood for dessert.
And while s’mores will easily feed a crowd (provided you have enough roasting sticks), they can make a huge mess. So consider our s’mores bar recipe a make-ahead, portable, crowd-pleasing alternative:
Chowhound’s S’mores Bars
It involves all the usual suspects: graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate (although we swap in bittersweet for the usual, sometimes-cloying milk chocolate), plus the addition of caramel and pecans for extra texture and nutty flavor. We’re fans of hacking traditional s’mores with different ingredients, too, but leave out the nuts here if you like.
Confession: It’s Really Just Christmas Crack In a Summer Outfit
Truthfully, this is pretty much just a summerized version of our favorite easy holiday desserts: Christmas crack and its cousin, matzo crack. The crisp base of graham crackers stands in for Saltines or unleavened bread, but the shiny caramel coating, rich chocolate top layer, and sprinkling of toasted nuts are all the same. There is, of course, the addition of mini marshmallows for both toasted crunch and interior chew (and because you can’t have s’mores without ’em).
Chowhound’s Matzo Brittle (for comparison)
Our S’mores Bar Recipe
This recipe makes 40 pieces, so we’re not kidding about the crowd-pleasing part. You make the s’mores bars on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil, so clean-up is easy.
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As for the caramel, you don’t even need a candy thermometer (seriously, making caramel is not scary). Store the cooled and cut bars between layers of wax paper in an airtight container and they’ll last for up to 4 days, so you can get a jump on your party prep too.
And if you happen to bring them out while the coals are still hot, well, they are great warmed up a little bit on the grill.
S'more Bars
Ingredients
- 16 (4-3/4-by-2-1/2-inch) whole graham crackers
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into 6 pieces
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 plus 1/8 teaspoons fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/4 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/3 cups toasted pecans, coarsely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a rimmed baking sheet with 2 overlapping pieces of aluminum foil so the entire sheet and all 4 edges are covered. Arrange the graham crackers tightly together in a single layer on the baking sheet, using broken-up pieces to fill any empty spaces; set aside.
- Place butter, brown sugar, and salt in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and bring to a full boil, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula to dissolve the sugar, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, slowly add vanilla (the mixture may bubble up), and stir to combine.
- Pour mixture over graham crackers and spread evenly using the rubber spatula. Evenly sprinkle marshmallows in a single layer over top. Bake until marshmallows are puffed and just starting to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips over the marshmallows and let sit until the chips are softened, about 5 minutes. Lightly drag a toothpick or skewer over the surface and through the softened chocolate chips to create a marbled pattern. Evenly sprinkle with nuts, if using. Let cool until warm, about 20 minutes, then refrigerate or freeze until the chocolate has set, about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Remove the s’more slab from the baking sheet using the foil to lift it in one piece. Transfer to a cutting board. Remove and discard the foil. Using a sharp knife, cut the slab into 2-inch squares. Store between layers of waxed paper in a container with a tightfitting lid; the bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Other S’mores Dessert Recipes
If you’re looking for s’more ways to make s’mores desserts, here are a few others we love:
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Back-to-School Bake Sale: Classic Schoolyard Treats
The start of the school year means summer fun is over and it’s time to hit the books. But it also means spirit rallies and fund-raisers, and there’s no better way to raise spirits (and funds) than with a bake sale. These classic childhood treats have been tamed on the sugar front, and are easy to make. Even if you don’t have kids, you’ll want to give them a try.
If you are actually prepping for an event, check out our Bake Sale Tips & Tricks to help you pull it off with ease.
Snickerdoodles
Chowhound
Skip chocolate chip cookies and make these much-more-fun-to-say snickerdoodles instead. Sweet and cinnamony, these soft, buttery cookies get a balancing tang from cream of tartar (which also serves as a leavening agent). Get our Snickerdoodle recipe.
Double Marshmallow Rice Cereal Treats
Chowhound
One of the easiest no-bake desserts around, rice cereal treats are beloved by pretty much all kids (and many adults as well). Swap in vegan marshmallows to make it crowd-friendly. Get our Double Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treat recipe.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
Chowhound
This rich and chewy chocolate peanut butter fudge is easy even for beginners, because there’s no candy thermometer required. Instead, it uses condensed milk and melted marshmallows to achieve the rich, thick texture. Use a darker chocolate to cut down on the overall sweetness if you like. Get our Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge recipe.
Related Reading: How Did Fudge Become a Staple of Tourist Towns?
Nutty White Chocolate Blondies
Chowhound
Bar cookies are brilliant, and these classic blondies are extra-delicious with the addition of both white chocolate chips and toasted pecans or walnuts. Get our Nutty White Chocolate Blondie recipe.
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
Chowhound
You can’t go wrong with cupcakes, at a bake sale or in general, and we have enough cupcake recipes to supply you for life (or at least for several months). These classic vanilla cupcakes are simple and sweet, which is sometimes all you need. We capped them off with salted caramel frosting, but they’re just as good with vanilla buttercream, milk chocolate buttercream, or even maple buttercream (in which case, feel free to garnish with a piece of candied bacon). Get our Vanilla Bean Cupcake recipe.
Related Reading: What Is the Difference Between Frosting, Fondant, and Icing?
Shortbread Lemon Bars
Chowhound
Last but certainly not least, these sunny lemon bars have a crumbly, buttery shortbread base and a bright and tangy topping. The sweet shortbread tempers the lemon curd’s acidity, but if you want to cut it even more, lightly dust (or generously shower) these with powdered sugar. Get our Shortbread Lemon Bar recipe.
What’s your go-to bake sale treat? Let us know in the comments!
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10 Punny Food Prints to Hang in Your Kitchen
Looking for a clever piece of food-themed art to liven up your kitchen? Look no further than our roundup of best foodie pun prints to buy online.
If you’re hoping to distract from your questionable cooking abilities by jazzing up a boring kitchen wall, look no further than a punny and clever food print that pokes fun at some of your favorite ingredients. It’s the perfect diversion from burnt edges, lack of seasoning, or 5-alarm stovetop fires. In fact, it may actually inspire you to cook better. Because what’s funnier than messing up dinner? That punny poster, obviously. And that’s all you and your houseguests will remember if your food isn’t doing the talking.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the most clever pieces of food-themed wall art. Scroll down and check them out.
Have pun!
Let The Beet Drop print, $9 on Etsy
Etsy
If you’re a child of the ’90s who watched Doug religiously, you absolutely need this beet pun print in your life. It’s funny on so many levels, but just be sure to hang it level on the wall. Otherwise, it may actually drop. And that wouldn’t be (Doug) Funny (ba dum bump).Buy Now
Back That Hass Up print, $18 on Etsy
Etsy
Girl who is you playin’ with back that Hass up. We love this punny print as much as we love Ja Rule’s 90s dance track that has us all dancing in ways that would make our parents cringe. Relive those days with this avocado print.Buy Now
Every day I’m Brusselin’ print, $26 on Amazon
Amazon
Brussels sprouts are probably the trendiest vegetables at the moment and “Every day I’m Hustlin'” is a song that never goes out of style. Combine the best of both worlds with this Amazon gem.Buy Now
Lick Me Till Ice Cream print, $5.87 on Etsy
This saucy ice cream pun print is probably best suited for an adult and we’re just hoping the young’ns don’t quite get it.Buy Now
Related Reading: 11 Incredible Ice Cream Sandwiches
You’re Eggceptional print, $14.11 on Etsy
Etsy
The irony about this poster is that nothing is more eggceptional than eggs themselves. We’ll take ours scrambled with hot sauce, please and thank you.Buy Now
Eat More Hole Foods print, $9.50 on Etsy
This one is clearly propaganda from the Donut Alliance meant to confuse us into thinking donuts are healthy whole foods. Well, they’re not but that doesn’t mean we can’t sneak one once in a while, and also enjoy this punderful piece of art.Buy Now
Related Reading: Use Your Instant Pot to Help You Get Through the Whole30 Challenge
Have a Knife Day print, $24.99 on Amazon
Amazon
We’re not entirely sure what a knife day looks like, and truth be told it’s a little unnerving at first, but if it’s actually as adorable as this lil’ butter knife variation, sign us up.Buy Now
Let’s Taco Bout It print, $5 on Etsy
Etsy
Yes, let’s. And let’s taco bout whether or not you’re bringing the guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, and cheese to me right now.Buy Now
Related Reading: How to Make Perfect Fish Tacos
This is My Jam Print, $3.53 on Etsy
Etsy
The perfect complement to your “Are you ready for this jelly?” poster and a punderfully good piece of art.Buy Now
Why You Soy Cute print, $3.91 on Etsy
Etsy
You don’t even have to answer the question. You simply have to look at it and smile as you’re chopping vegetables for your homemade sushi.Buy Now
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The Most Adorable Food-Themed Stuff at the Etsy Back-to-School Sale
Right now, and for a limited time only, back-to-school clothes and accessories and gifts for teacher are on sale at Etsy.
Back to school means a much-needed rest for parents and NEW STUFF for kids. But those little ones grow out of their clothes faster than you can say “please don’t eat that glue, Rebecca!” so we’re always glad to see a back-to-school sale especially on one-of-a-kind artisan and craft children’s clothing (and accessories) like you’ll find on Etsy.
Related Reading: Back to School Brain Food for Your Kids’ Lunch Boxes
Right now Etsy has a carefully curated sale of adorable back-to-school t-shirts, lunch boxes and bags, and even a few perfect gifts for teacher. The Etsy back-to-school sale will be done long before that first school bell rings, so take a look at our favorite food-themed items on sale at Etsy now and get ready to celebrate another summer survived!
Veggie List Shirt, $24.88 (was $31.10)
Etsy
Lest your little one forgets what’s really important, when it comes to food, anyways, this helpful shirt with these fan-favorite nutritious garden veggies listed will remind them. All together now!Buy Now
Badger Backpack from MUNIshop, $44 (was $55)
Etsy
While not technically food-themed we couldn’t help but share this adorable line of animal backpacks from MUNIshop on Esty. It doesn’t just stop at badgers; the backpacks come in unicorn, alligator, and a whole kingdom of other species.Buy Now
Related Reading: Do Double Duty with Lunches Both You and Your Kids Will Enjoy
Handmade Ceramic Whale Mugs, $33.60 (was $42)
Etsy
These whale coffee mugs are handmade and a perfect gift to bring teacher on the first day. She’s going to need a lot of caffeine to make it through this year so she might as well drink it in style.Buy Now
Reusable Lunch Bags, $19.20 (was $24)
Etsy
If you haven’t switched to reusable lunch bags then it’s high time you do. The planet will certainly thank you. These colorful lunch sacks resemble classic brown paper bags but are made from waxed canvas and come in an entire rainbow of bright colors.Buy Now
Related Reading: These Fashion-Forward Lunch Boxes Are Perfect for Work (or Back to School)
Reusable Penguin Lunch Bag, $16 (was $20)
Etsy
For the more mature child, this sensible yet chic penguin lunch sack is made from organic cotton canvas and sports a woven rope handle to tote it around.Buy Now
Mini Gardener T-Shirt, $27.99 (was $31)
Etsy
For those little green thumbs out there. This cotton t-shirt with a darling design is the perfect comfy schoolwear for the pint-sized gardener in your family.Buy Now
Related Reading: These Herbs and Vegetables are 100 Percent Worth Growing Yourself
Apple Patch Leggings, $23.20 (was $29)
Etsy
An apple a day keeps the doctor away but two apple patches on these pink and white striped leggings are just plain adorable. How can you resist?Buy Now
Junk Food Woven Throw Blanket, $63.20 (was $79)
Frankie Print Co / Etsy
Older kids need cute school stuff too, and while this junk food-printed throw blanket complete with pizza slices and fries might not promote healthy eating, it is the perfect way to warm up a dorm room or keep a high school student cozy.Buy Now
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The Ultimate Guide to Pulled Pork
Pulled pork seems easy—and it is!—but there are certain guidelines to follow for truly perfect pulled pork. We break down the art and science of the best pulled pork for you.
Is there any food more versatile than pulled pork? Barbecue platters, sandwiches, and tacos around the world would answer with a strong no. Unlike its peers, pork loin and pork tenderloin, it rarely runs bland and dry, and while it has a richness to it, there’s no fear of eating yourself sick with too much of a good thing (fatty pork belly, we’re looking at you). Pulled pork is also large enough to feed a crowd, freezes well, costs little to make, and is pretty darn tough to completely mess up. We think that’s reason enough to master it.
A Primer on Pulled Pork
From Louisiana to North Carolina and as far north as Tennessee, in the part of the United States known colloquially as the “barbecue belt,” pulled pork reigns supreme. There, it means whole smoked pork shoulder (or sometimes, a mix of meat cuts) that have been pulled apart, shredded, or chopped. It arrives at the table with bread and barbecue sauce, and sides—an invitation to be eaten as a sandwich.
Read More: How to Smoke Meat Like the Pros
But plenty of other cultures rely on pork shoulder, too. In Michoacán, Mexico, pork shoulder is covered in lard and braised in a copper pot to become meltingly soft carnitas. The Mayans traditionally did the same by wrapping the same cut of meat in banana leaf and burying the meat in a fire pit in the ground until it became cochinita pibil (our modern adaptation pictured below). Today, we love it with everything from grits to nachos.
Chowhound
Adapting Pulled Pork For the Home Kitchen
Smokers, Slow Cookers, or Ovens All Work
Commercial barbecue pulled pork is always cooked in a smoker, but you don’t have to have experience as a pitmaster or access to a smoker in order to enjoy pulled pork at home, even if you do want it eat it barbecue-style. (If you are interested in learning how to smoke with a basic barbecue, here’s a good place to start.) Otherwise, it’s just as possible to enjoy a variation of Southern-style pulled pork using a basic oven or slow-cooker. It’s worth adding that we love other variations of pulled pork—many of them inspired by Mexico and the Southwest—just as much, too.
Chowhound
Pork Shoulder vs Pork Butt (& Bone-In vs Boneless)
Pulled pork is made using pork shoulder, and the vast majority of commercial barbecue pits smoke the entire pork shoulder, which weighs in at 12 to 18 pounds. That isn’t widely available at most supermarkets and butchers; instead, it’s available as two different parts of the shoulder: the fattier, more marbled Boston butt (or butt) and the leaner, tougher picnic (or picnic shoulder). Opt for the Boston butt whenever possible, with the bone in, which helps keep things moist.
How to Pick Pork Shoulder (& How Much You Need)
When shopping for pork shoulder, avoid any packaged cuts that have been enhanced with water, salt, and sodium phosphate. Instead, look for meat that isn’t too wet, and has a pleasant rosy color with even fat marbling. If you’re cooking for a crowd, factor in about four to six ounces of finished meat per sandwich.
Chowhound
How Pulled Pork Goes Wrong
In general, pulled pork is forgiving; the most important thing to remember is that it needs love and time. But it is possible to run into pulled pork problems; here are two of the most common.
The Pork Isn’t Tender (You Can Fix It!)
Common pulled pork problem #1: The pork isn’t “fall-off-the-bone” tender. If the pork is moist but not tender, then it needs more time. Put it back in the oven, barbecue, or slow cooker. If you’re oven-roasting, aim for a temperature of 190°F for a fall-apart-tender state; one easy guideline is to allow one hour per pound of meat with the oven set at 325°F. If you’re barbecuing, a general rule is to get the barbecue to about 220°F, and allow 90 minutes per pound. With a slow cooker, where overcooking is less of a concern, give the meat an extra hour or two before checking on it.
Chowhound
The Pork Is Dry (You Can Kind Of Fix It)
Common pulled pork problem #2: The pork winds up dry and stringy. Make sure you’re using the right cut. Pork shoulder’s filled with connective tissue and striations of fat, which means it’ll break down nicely when cooked low and slow. Other cuts, like pork loin or tenderloin, don’t have enough fat in them, and are pretty much guaranteed to wind up dry. This can also happen if you leave the pork on at too high a temperature for too long. To remedy the problem, pull apart the pork, and use the pan juices to moisten the meat. Adding a thick barbecue sauce will help add moisture back in, too.
Pulled Pork Recipes
If you’re hoping to hone your pulled pork skills, these braised shoulder recipes are a nice jumping-off point.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Chowhound
A slow cooker’s the most convenient way to make pulled pork (as an added bonus, it freezes nicely, too). This recipe starts with a dark brown sugar spice rub; add your choice of barbecue sauce and buns at the end for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. Get our Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork recipe.
Beer-Braised Pulled Pork & Pulled Pork Nachos
Chowhound
Begin with boneless pork butt, browning it in a Dutch oven and scraping up the flavorful bits left behind in the pot before letting the meat braise in the oven. There’s no sugar in this recipe; instead, habañero slices guarantee plenty of heat. Get our Beer-Braised Pulled Pork recipe.
Once you’ve mastered making our beer-braised pulled pork, give these elevated nachos a shot. Skip the ubiquitous ground beef and instead use that beer-braised pork as a more exciting topping for nachos. Get our Pulled Pork Nachos recipe.
Slow-Cooked Carne Adovada
Chowhound
This might have a fancy name, but it’s basically pulled pork with a toasted New Mexican chile paste that adds smokiness with a bit of heat at the end. Serve it with hominy, polenta, or a steamed corn tortilla. Get our Slow-Cooked Carne Adovada recipe.
Yucatecan-Inspired Pulled Pork
Chowhound
This variation of slow cooker pulled pork takes inspiration from Mexico’s Yucatán, with tomatillos, orange juice, garlic, and achiote rojo, a Yucatecan spice mixture of annatto, Mexican oregano, spices, garlic, and salt. Get our Yucatecan-Inspired Pulled Pork recipe.
Pulled Pork Poutine
Chowhound
Or take your pulled pork up north, at least in spirit, and pile it on one of Canada’s greatest gifts to the world: poutine. Usually topped with beef gravy, the crisp fries and melty cheese curds marry just as beautifully with tender, saucy pulled pork. Get our Pulled Pork Poutine recipe.
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Planter’s Punch Cocktail
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The Friday Buzz: Quick & Easy Eats from the Simply Recipes Team
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