You may recall the spring started with plans to build a new deck on the back of the existing deck out of the reclaimed lumber from the old pool deck. Those plans worked out very well – although closely mingled with all the chicken work – we managed to get both done. Actually – the deck has been done for quite some time and we have been enjoying it over the summer – as a new place to entertain as well as just relax (we do actually do some of that later activity).
At any rate – since the deck has been done for some time Kelli has been slowly working on landscaping around the deck (deckscaping, anyone) - and she has culminated her efforts (this week) with the completion of our small herb garden withing 15 steps of the back door.
We learned years ago that having a small plot of essential herbs right out the back door from the kitchen is key when it comes to using the freshest ingredients when cooking. NOw – we just have to wait for the parsley, chives, oregano, thyme, sage and tarragon to start growing!

Marshmallow… Graham cracker… Chocolate… And an open fire… That’s it.
Undoubtedly, someone – somewhere in history – must have once shouted – “Give me s’mores or give me death!” It’s only logical to think that – after you have one – there’s just no other possibility.
I like to consider myself an open-minded person – but I have to tell you… there is absolutely no way I can even begin to entertain a conversation with anyone about how they don’t like s’mores – just can’t. It’s un-American.
But I’m here to admit – that variation beyond the Hershey bar as my chocolate source has yielded for me a very elitist – snobbish – highfelutin – gosh darned best s’more you have ever eaten… the secret ingredient – Nutella.

Ultimate S’more Recipe

Slather one cracker with the chocolate hazelnut goodness – place the warmed, slightly crispy marshmallow on the Nutella-ed cracker – place the other cracker on top and press down… I could go on and on – but the picture is worth 1000 words. It’s that simple.

But I suppose it’s not just about the s’more and those 3 ingredients… It’s alos about the campfire. Specifically the environment a campfire generates. It’s the outdoor hearth that people gather around – it’s sort of an island of community and civilization in the dark. Conversation always flows around a campfire – thoughts get shared and nutruted by the glowing embers. You are either net to the person or look at them across the shared flames – either way – the physical orentitaion of people around a campfire is such that – we are all friends – we are all equals – we all have something to share.
Kelli and I were the only two people at our campfire the other night – and the plan was just s’mores and conversation. We had both in quanity. No need for television – the lightneing bugs flickered like an exibit at Epcot. The smoke becomes a natural insect repllant. Quality time just passes when gathered in communion around a campfire. It’s no wonder our ancestors started growing into what we have become today – seated around their very own campfires.