HAVE S’MORE SUMMER TREATS
Enjoy classic camp fire dessert without the mess
The ultimate summer dessert of firetoasted marshmallows and chocolate, sandwiched between graham crackers requires s'more napkins, another dip in the campground lake or a hand wash in the salty ocean. This sticky campfire classic doesn't have to end up all over your hands. Try making these Individual S'mores Parfaits that can be eaten with a spoon. They are perfect beachside snacks and also great while sitting in front of a fan at the kitchen table. If you miss the ghost stories that often accompany these tasty treats, turn the lights down low, place a flashlight under your chin, and tell your spookiest tale.
INDIVIDUAL S’MORES PARFAIT
c. heavy cream 1 c. milk chocolate chips (6.3 oz.) t. vanilla extract 1 pinch salt 1 c. graham cracker crumbs 3 T. brown sugar 4 T. melted butter 1A c. marshmallow cream topping
Microwave the heavy cream in a medium, microwavesafe bowl for 1-minute intervals until small bubbles or a thin skin forms on the top. Remove the bowl from the microwave and immediately add the chocolate chips, vanilla and a pinch of salt; let stand for 5 minutes. Stir or whisk until the chocolate and heavy cream become homogenous in texture and color. Refrigerate this ganache mixture for at least 40 minutes, or until the mixture is cool and firm. With a handheld mixer, whip the ganache for 3 minutes on high speed until it becomes lighter in color and fluffier. Transfer the whipped ganache to a piping or zip-top bag then cut an inch from the tip or a corner of the bag.
In another medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter; stir until it resembles wet sand. Place D cup of the graham cracker crumb mixture into 6 or 7 small jars, ramekins or bowls then pipe A- inch-thick discs of the whipped ganache on top.
Transfer the marshmallow cream topping to a piping or zip-top bag and cut off an inch off the tip or corner of the bag. Pipe about D cup of the marshmallow on top of the ganache discs.
Use a kitchen-safe brulee torch to toast the marshmallow topping, quickly blowing out any small flames that char the topping, just like you would to a twig-skewered marshmallow that rests in the flames of your campfire for too long.
Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Makes 6 to 7 servings.