I am proud and lucky to be able to call two wonderful countries ‘home’. Being born and raised in Britain, I will always believe that British bacon is the best kind, English tea tastes just like home, and Cadbury’s chocolate just doesn’t taste as good anywhere else. Immigrating to Canada as a young adult has given me all the excitement of exploring and getting to know this wonderful country along with all its weird and wonderful traditions. (Clamato juice took me a while to get my head around; I now consider myself a Caesar connoisseur.)
It’s funny how countries have their own little unique customs all of which take a part in shaping and molding the experiences of visitors from other realms. I remember visiting Canada as a kid and being obsessed with all things ‘grape’ flavoured because we didn’t have it in the UK. The mention of a trip across the pond would send me into daydreams of Lucky Charms, Hershey bars and Turtles. And then there was of course the promise of trips to the ‘cottage’… this cottage malarkey did not exist at home and, frankly, what is more exciting than a weekend on a lake with barbeques, board games and campfires? And of course with campfires comes another Canadian tradition that may or may not have influenced my decision to move here permanently… the humble and delicious s’more. Such a simple yet genius idea! Chocolate? Good. Marshmallow? Good. Shove all that in the middle of two biscuits and you’ve got yourself a party in your mouth!
It just so happens that National S’mores Day is today (August 10th), so we are paying homage to the tasty treat. When you are looking to get your s’mores fix away from the campfire, there are many establishments in Toronto that can cater to your craving and we just happened to put some of the best in this list. You are welcome Canada. Now s’move on my friends, and read this here list! Oh and save some for me…
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Stack Smokehouse | 3265 Yonge Street
If a s’more and a doughnut had a baby, I would eat it. And this is the place I would go to find such a magical union. This delicious hybrid is sure to unite the donut eaters of the world with the s’mores fanatics, and if eating these balls of s’morey goodness means dessert unity, I am proud to be part of the cause.
Hush | 303 King St. West
These may be as authentic as you can get when you’re not up North. Not only are you provided with necessary ingredients but also your own open flame on which to cook your ‘mallow to your desired gooey-ness before adding some creamy Lindt chocolate and sqooshing between perfectly sized Graham crackers. There’s enough crackers to make six complete s’mores so there should be no fighting… maybe order two just to be sure.
Bannock | 401 Bay St
Bannock takes the work outta s’mores but maintains all the necessary elements with their ‘Warm S’more Pie’. Layers of Graham cracker and chocolate are topped with perfectly toasted marshmallows and accompanied by a generous helping of hot fudge… well worth skipping the 3-hour drive to the cottage.
MoRoCo Chocolat | 99 Yorkville Avenue
Whether you like to work for the perfect s’mores or you prefer something that requires minimal tools, this gorgeous chocolate boutique offers both. Their ‘torch at the table’ offering will satisfy you and two friends and leaves you to do the torching. For something less messy try their ‘S’more Love’ plated dessert option – a molten chocolate cake topped with a graham cookie and marshmallow, dripping in salted caramel sauce and caramelized pecans. Oh boy, the only thing that can make this classic dessert even more desirable for me is salted caramel… someone grab me a napkin, I’m drooling.
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Big Crow | 176 Dupont Street
This new extension to restaurant Rose and Sons is inspired by “Algonquin Park, canoe trips (and) cooking over an open fire,” so it only makes sense that they have something s’more-esque on the menu. Their offering sandwiches a good slab of vanilla ice-cream between a mini brioche bun along with some crushed graham crackers and chocolate sauce all of which is topped off with the essential toasted marshmallows. No assembly required but you’d better believe it’s as messy as the real deal so leave your ego at the door and prepare to get sticky fingers!
DIY: Liquefy Your S’mores!
Alternatively, if you’re hosting a cottage themed get together at your place or you just can’t get enough of that s’mores flavour, mix up a cocktail that embodies all the tasty characteristics of your favourite dessert but with less mess and more drunk…
S’mores Cocktail (4 servings)
Ingredients
2oz Chocolate Vodka
2oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
2oz Creme de Cacao
2oz Vanilla Vodka
2oz Heavy Cream
Graham Crackers, Crushed
Chocolate Syrup
12 Toasted Mini Marshmallows or 4 Large Marshmallows (use a kitchen torch or skewer ’em and hold over a flame)
Directions
Dip the rim of four martini glasses in chocolate syrup and then into the crushed graham crackers. Chill glasses in freezer. Pour all remaining ingredients (except marshmallows) into martini shaker filled with ice and give it a good shake. Strain and pour into chilled glasses. Skewer toasted marshmallows on cocktail stick and use to garnish your glasses. Enjoy!
