Chocolate Ganache for Sweetheart S’mores!

My husband Steve and I met working YMCA summer camp 28 years ago. We were both counselors (Just think of the movie “Meatballs!”) and honestly, it was destiny for us to meet. The crazy situations that fell in place for us to be at camp together, are pretty funny. I didn’t even like Steve at first, in fact, I thought he was crazy! (Side note, there is hilarious story about the first day of camp, ask me about it if we ever meet up!) As the week went on though, it became clear we were going to be together. Here is the very first picture of the two of us. This was taken on the last day of camp. Don’t we look young? Yeesh!

Nothing reminds me more of that first week, than a roaring campfire and old wire coat hangers pierced with stale marshmallows, fire-roasted, then smashed on graham crackers with melted chocolate bars. I mean really? What better way to find the love of your life than locking eyes over a roaring campfire surrounded by 200 campers, singing silly songs and eating S’mores? Ok, maybe there are better ways, but not for us.

Every year, we celebrate the anniversary of our first date (just one week after camp!). Making S’mores is a romantic way for us to remember that fateful summer night by the campfire.

These are bigger and much more decadent than the usual camp S’more. Everything is made from scratch! Thick, molasses graham crackers, a huge homemade Marshmallow, topped with a sweet chocolate ganache, some sliced strawberries and a bit of powdered sugar. Now, that is the way to celebrate!

The recipe for the Graham crackers can be found here: Homemade Graham Crackers

The recipe for the Marshmallows can be found here: Homemade Marshmallows

And here is the recipe for the Chocolate Ganache:

Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients

2 cups good quality chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

Place chocolate chips in a medium size bowl and set aside

In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and allow to sit for 1 minute.

Use a whisk and gently stir the cream until all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.

Chill to set, or use immediately to drizzle over S’mores!

To be honest, it does take a bit of time to put these together, but it’s worth the effort to have a special dessert to share with your special someone! I call these Sweetheart S’mores because even after 28+ years, my husband is still my best friend, a great camp counselor and the sweetest man I know!