At Whitebark, which opened in November 2007, diners
While s’mores are associated with campfires and beach cookouts,
can sink their forks into a homemade marshmallow, filled with
they are a treat that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your home.
chocolate and caramel sauce, which rests atop a graham cracker
No grandeur or special occasion is required. All you need is a gas
shortbread cookie. It’s called “Elevated S’more” and is cylindrical
stovetop, metal skewer, graham crackers (I use Honey Maid, but ones
in shape. Klassen consulted with Brandon Brocia, the restaurant’s
without any hydrogenated oil would be nice), chocolate bar of your
former executive chef who is now the food and beverage manager,
choice (I prefer dark chocolate), and marshmallows (the big ones).
and current executive chef Dan Molnar on the s’more revamp.
The oven is another option.
Klassen says Brocia played an integral role in creating the final
The type of chocolate is a matter of personal preference. Dark
plate. She found the cookie recipe online and uses a three-inch
chocolate’s inherent bitterness cuts through the sugary marshmallow.
mold. Klassen makes a homemade vanilla marshmallow and pipes
Milk chocolate is, perhaps, more classical but that will make a
it into and up the three-inch mold. At the bottom is a cookie made
sweeter s’more. I like to make two s’mores and add on an extra
with whole wheat flour, butter and honey, among other ingredients.
graham cracker square and marshmallow. Take a bite of the
She fills the marshmallow with warm chocolate and a bit of
marshmallow and, with its sticky interior, mop up the graham cracker
caramel then surrounds the s’more with more chocolate and a dot
crumbs. S’mores fulfill the desire for something sweet, yet aren’t
of caramel. A golden sugar tangle (caramelized sugar spun when
too filling; they're ideal for an evening snack before heading to bed
warm to create an abstract design) accompanies the s’more.
in half-an-hour. For a twist, spread peanut butter on the graham
cracker half with the chocolate. Or, place a few slices of banana and/
or set some shredded coconut atop the chocolate before adding the
warm marshmallow. But the simple way: graham crackers, chocolate
and marshmallow are delicious. S’mores are a treat every time. No
campfires required. ◆
Bryce Alderton lives in Mission Viejo and vacations in the Sierra.
He is a freelance writer and home chef cooking class assistant/
instructor.
TESY WHITEBARK
S’more
Yield: Two s’mores
PHOTO COUR Serving size: Two s’mores
Whitebark Restaurant and Bar offers an “Elevated S'more” with a
graham cracker shortbread cookie, marshmallow, chocolate and a bit of
2 graham cracker sheets (4 squares), plus one square (half sheet)
caramel.
2 large marshmallows, plus one for mopping up crumbs
2 squares chocolate from bar (dark chocolate such as Valhrona
It first appeared on the menu in June 2008 and replaced the
71% cacao)
prior version. “It’s pretty popular, one of our best-selling desserts,” Metal skewer
Klassen said.
If the Chart House restaurant in Mammoth Lakes had a s’more
Directions:
on the menu, Eli Anderson, executive chef, said he would make a
1. Place graham cracker squares on paper plate. Set one chocolate
stacked dessert. He would use graham cracker tuiles (thin cookies)
square on each of two graham cracker squares.
layered with marshmallow cream infused with a flavoring. Melted
2. Skewer two marshmallows, leaving about 1/8 inch space
chocolate would make an appearance and he would add a real
between them.
marshmallow garnish. Anderson said marshmallow cream would
3. Turn on stovetop gas burner to medium.
provide stability. 4. Place marshmallows above flame, about 2-3 inches.
Ryan Jubela, pastry chef at Petra’s Bistro and Wine Bar in
5. Rotate skewer frequently, so marshmallow turns light golden
Mammoth, said the first time he saw a version of a s’more on a brown on all sides without going black. This will take 3-4
restaurant menu was at Whitebark. Jubela has been a pastry chef
minutes. Marshmallows are done when they have turned light
for four years.
golden brown and look like they have deflated.
“[It's] a unique thing to do,” Jubela said. “[S’mores] are 6. Use separate graham cracker squares to remove each
definitely more American.”
marshmallow (these squares will be top of s’more). Place one
The first recipe for s’mores appeared in the 1927 book
marshmallow on each square of chocolate.
Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts, a camping guide,
7. Press down with graham cracker square so marshmallow flattens.
according to Yevgeniya Gribov, archivist with the Girl Scouts of 8. Enjoy! Take a bite of remaining marshmallow and with the sticky
the USA National Historic Preservation Center
inside, collect the crumbs.
.
July | August 2009 Mammoth Sierra Magazine 15
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