S'mores War

B's family does a yearly campout, and after a year without a trip I decided to takeover and plan a trip. I chose New Glarus Wood State Park in Wisconsin. It's not too-too far from Chicago, there is a cute little downtown area with hotels nearby and the beloved New Glarus Brewery about 10 minutes from the park.

B and I took backroads there -- which was a gorgeous treat: rolling hills, farms with real Spotted Cows,   old barns, more hills.

Camping was as it always is: wacky, loud, with lots of food, lots of beer and wonderful family time. My parents even came up to visit the brewery and say hi.

The highlight of the campout, however, was our Saturday night S'more War. I suggested it and it's just the sort of thing that B's family loves and they ran with it.

We recruited a judge, put out a buffet of marshmallows and all the toppings. And boy, were there toppings: peanut butter cups, caramel, Rollos, minty chocolate, chocolate sauce, chocolate covered cookies, gingersnaps, special marshmallows.... Delicious. The winner?

Sister-in-law Jill's Lemon Meringue S'more -- the simplest of the bunch -- toasted marshmallow on a graham with lemon curd (from the jelly section at the grocery). It totally tasted like pie -- fresh, summery, amazing!

B would object, however, if I didn't highlight his new camping tool, which indeed helps bring a s'more from yummy to mind-blowing. Behold: the S'more Maker!