A taste of summer

by Sam Vangsness

Summer comes with flavors that bring you right back to the sun and heat. For me these are flavors like watermelon, s’mores and Cloverdale hotdogs. Each of these foods immediately brings me back to summer days no matter when I enjoy them. These flavors also taste much sweeter when enjoyed for the short 4 (ish) months we get to call our summer. 

In an effort to enjoy summer year around, even in the dead of winter when I am wishing for warmer days, I like to make a batch of s’mores dates. This recipe is simple and can be made a few different ways depending on how much effort you’d like to put in. The oven method is my preferred method. The stove top method keeps the marshmallows nice and soft, while the oven method makes them crunchy, like a dried marshmallow (my favorite). 

I know, when you hear dates, you kind of turn up your nose, and I get it. I did too. This recipe brings out the dates’, sweetness and the gooey texture that makes them the perfect post-dinner treat. 

S’more dates (Stove top method)

Ingredients

1 bag dates (pitted or non-pitted)

1 package of marshmallows (I like Dandies brand)

½ cup butter

4-5 sheets of graham crackers 

1 cup chocolate chips 

Flakey salt optional 

Instructions

1. Throw your package of dates in the freezer for about a half hour. This makes them easier to handle and less of a sticky mess. 
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
3. Once dates are frozen, cut each date open and line it on a baking sheet. If they have pits, discard the pits. 
4. Melt ¼ cup butter in a saucepan. Once butter is melted pour in the bag of marshmallows. Stir until smooth. 
5. Crush graham crackers in a bag and set aside. 
6. Scoop marshmallow mixture onto each date. You will have to work fast because the marshmallow mixture sets up quickly. 
7. Sprinkle graham crackers onto the marshmallow mixture. 
8. Place sheet pan in the freezer for 1 hour. 
9. Melt ¼ cup butter and ½ cup of chocolate chips in a saucepan. Stir until chocolate is melted and the mixture is well combined. 
10. Take dates out of the freezer and drizzle with chocolate. Top with flakey salt if you’d like. 
11. Place in the freezer for 30 min to 1 hour to set. 
12. Remove and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge. 

S’more dates (Oven method)

Ingredients

1 bag dates (pitted or non-pitted)

1 package of marshmallows (I like Dandies brand)

4-5 sheets of graham crackers  

1 cup chocolate chips 

Flakey salt optional 

Instructions

1. Throw your package of dates in the freezer for about a half hour. This makes them easier to handle and less of a sticky mess. 
2. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. 
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
4. Once dates are frozen, cut each date open and line it on a baking sheet. If they have pits, discard the pits. 
5. Add marshmallows to each date. I find 2-3 on each date works well depending on the size of the date. 
6. Place baking sheet with dates into the oven for 5 minutes or until marshmallows are melted. I like to bake it until the marshmallows are golden brown. 
7. Crush graham crackers in a bag and set aside. 
8. Once marshmallows are melted, remove from the oven and place 2-3 chocolate chips onto the marshmallows. 
9. Place back into the oven for 3-4 minutes or until the chocolate is melted. 
10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle graham crackers and flakey salt (optional) onto the dates. 
11. Place sheet pan in the freezer for 30 min. 
12. Remove and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge. 

Tip: If you make a large batch, throw them in the freezer and take out a few handfuls to keep in the fridge each week. Enjoy!

Sam lives in rural Morton County with her husband. She enjoys being outside working alongside her husband, but equally enjoys being in the kitchen cooking nutritious, delicious, simple meals, and sharing tips, tricks, and recipes along the way.

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