CABOT, Vt., Aug. 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Whether you make it over a campfire, backyard grill, in the kitchen or at a family picnic, nothing beats the great taste of a gooey, crunchy, chocolaty S'more – the venerably delicious concoction of melted marshmallow, chocolate and graham crackers that's become a nationwide summertime classic.
While the origin of S'mores remains unclear, it's widely believed that the first recorded version of the recipe is from a Girl Scouts camping guide that was first published in 1927.
Regardless of its humble beginnings, S'mores are all the rage these days as everyone from backyard campers to professional chefs is getting in on the fun. Take for example Cabot Creamery Cooperative's delicious Cheddar S'mores, a delightful mix of graham crackers, Lake Champlain Chocolate and Cabot's award winning Seriously Sharp Cheddar. Cheddar? That's right! Delicious, tangy, Seriously Sharp Cabot Cheddar!
"You have to try it to believe it," says Cabot Lifestyle Commentator and Favorite Foodie, Candace Karu. "They're simply amazing! Cabot's go-to Chef Jimmy Kennedy, former restaurant owner, professional fisherman on the Pro Bass Tournament circuit, and culinary adventurer, created the recipe. The convergence of the sweet Lake Champlain Chocolate with the sharp Cabot Cheddar and the crispy graham cracker sort of explode in your mouth the moment you bite into the Cheddar S'more," Karu says. "Trying is believing… and they'll leave you wanting more!"
How did the two distinct worlds of cheddar and chocolate collide? Quite by accident says Kennedy.
"I was trying to develop a unique recipe for Cabot using their three-quarter-ounce mini cheddar bars for outdoor grilling," he said. "I hand out so many of the mini bars at events that I was thinking there must be a fun way to put a twist on the product. One day, I was working on a recipe idea using toasted marshmallows and Cabot Cheddar for a winter soup garnish and the cheddar light bulb went off – Cheddar S'mores! I pulled together the ingredients and made them right away. As I put them in the oven I just KNEW this was going to be one of those recipes that wouldn't disappoint. And I was right – they're amazing! I told my wife, Emma, and daughter, Josie, that I had a special dessert for them that night and they loved it, too!"
Kennedy says he prefers to use Lake Champlain's milk chocolate for casual affairs and the Vermont chocolatier's dark chocolate for fancier occasions.
"I know that might sound silly," he said. "But who knew S'mores could be so discriminating!"
It's certainly not silly to those in the know at Lake Champlain.
"We've been pairing cheese and chocolate for the past couple of years, but a cheese and chocolate S'more takes it to another level! Whether you choose our sweet dark chocolate and our creamy milk chocolate, both nicely complement the sharp, savory cheddar," says Meghan Fitzpatrick, spokesperson for Lake Champlain Chocolates. "We're thrilled that Cabot is exploring new flavor combinations and recipes with chocolate and cheese."
In honor of National S'mores Day, Cabot is hosting a National S'mores Day Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village located at 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road in Sturbridge, MA. The event takes place August 10 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and is free and open to the public. Activities include games, prizes and free S'mores for all while supplies last.
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients:
8 graham crackers, halved (to make 16 squares)
8 (3/4-ounce) Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar or Cabot Sharp Cheddar Snack Packs or 1 (8-ounce) bar Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar or Cabot Sharp Cheddar, cut into eight slices (cheese should be smaller than cracker on all sides)
2 (1.55-ounce) Lake Champlain Chocolate Bars, each broken into 4 segments
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place eight of graham cracker squares on baking sheet; top each with segment of chocolate followed by piece of cheese. Top with remaining graham cracker squares.
3. Bake for about 4 minutes or just until cheese and chocolate start to melt.
4. Remove from oven and press down gently on each S'more. Serve warm, or let cool to serve later at room temperature.
Recipe courtesy of Jimmy Kennedy.
Nutrition Analysis Calories 158, Total Fat 10.5g, Saturated Fat 6g, Sodium 168mg, Carbohydrates 10g, Dietary Fiber 0.5g, Protein 6g, Calcium 171mg
To access a hi-resolution photo of Cabot's Cheddar S'mores mentioned above, please visit: https://default.imagerelay.com/sb/c97aa352-b94d-11e0-b5d6-1231390f9931
Contact: Bob Schiers
1-888-214-9444 or bschiers@cabotcheese.coop
ABOUT CABOT CREAMERY COOPERATIVE
Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919, and we make a full line of cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter. Best known as makers of "The World's Best Cheddar," Cabot is owned by 1275 dairy farm families located throughout New England and upstate New York. For additional information on Cabot Creamery, visit http://www.cabotcheese.coop
The Cabot Creamery Cooperative logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9549
ABOUT LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATES
Lake Champlain Chocolates offers sweet indulgences that capture the essence of Vermont, the tradition of making fine chocolate, and the pride that goes into each bite. Preservative-free and Kosher-certified, Lake Champlain Chocolates are crafted in small batches from the finest quality chocolate and select natural ingredients including local Vermont cream, sweet butter, maple syrup, and honey. Lake Champlain Chocolates are available online at www.lakechamplainchocolates.com, toll-free at 1-800-465-5909, as corporate gifts & wedding favors, at three company-owned retail stores in Vermont, and nationwide at specialty food & gift stores and upscale hotels & inns.
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