OK, OK, I know...why mess with a good thing. When I saw this article, though, I figured I could have my S'more and eat them too. I especially like the idea to grill bananas to replace the marshmallows.
3 Healthier Takes On S'mores
By Sunrise Senior Living on October 16, 2014
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Is there anything more delectable and warming than a homemade s'more on a chilly day? Probably not, but another adjective that describes this classic treat is sugar-laden. If you're hankering for some delicious chocolate and marshmallow, swap out a traditional s'more for one of these great variations. They'll curb your craving while minimizing your sugar intake and sneaking in a few healthy nutrients.
1. Hazelnut strawberry s'mores
If you don't want to part with the warm chocolatey taste of a s'more, you can swap it out for hazelnut spread. Granted, these products still contain a lot of sugar, but they also provide protein and iron, so you're not just consuming empty calories. If you're not a fan of hazelnut, you can always experiment with different spreads, like peanut butter or almond butter.
Ingredients
- 1 graham cracker
- 1 Tbsp. hazelnut spread
- 1 Tbsp. low-fat whipped topping
- 1 large strawberry, sliced
Directions
Prepare this treat classic s'mores style. Break the graham cracker in half, and put the hazelnut spread down first. Then, cover with a dollop of whipped topping and place your strawberries on top. Finally, place the other half of the graham cracker on top of your treat. You can either enjoy as it or place it in the
microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. If you choose to warm it, be careful not to burn your fingers, as the hazelnut spread will be hot!
2. Dark chocolate banana s'mores
Another way to incorporate fruit into your s'more is with a grilled banana. There are lots of valuable nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and manganese in the fruit. When paired with a little bit of dark chocolate, you have a delicious snack that's full of antioxidants. Once you try this treat, you may not ever go back to traditional s'mores.
Ingredients
- 1/4 ripe banana
- 1 graham cracker
- 1 square dark chocolate
- 1 Tbsp. low-fat whipped topping
Directions
Slice your banana lengthwise, then place it on your grill over medium-low heat. Alternatively, you can warm your banana up with a little cooking oil in a frying pan. Grill each side of the banana until it's lightly browned, then transfer onto a plate. While the fruit cools a bit, assemble your cracker with the square of dark chocolate on top. Transfer the fruit on top of the chocolate, then cover with whipped topping. The banana should be warm enough to melt the chocolate just enough. The second slice of graham cracker will complete the snack. Get ready for a warm, gooey treat that has a number of important nutrients.
3. S'mores popcorn
This fun variation on s'mores gives you the great tastes of chocolate and marshmallow, but in smaller portions. Whip up this popcorn when you're craving a little sweetness during movie night with friends from your
retirement community. It's easy to double the recipe if you're serving a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, dark or semi-sweet
- 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumble
Directions
Prepare your popcorn in your method of choice - in a pan and with an air popper are both good options. Cover a baking sheet with wax paper, then spread the popcorn evenly on top. In a small saucepan, melt the marshmallows, chocolate and corn syrup over medium-low heat. Stir constantly and remove from the heat once the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Finally, drizzle the topping over the popcorn, then sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs on top. You'll want to let the chocolate mixture harden for a few minutes before serving.
Scamp
Healthy and S'mores seems like such an oxymoron...
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