Monday, August 10, 2009

Why I will not be celebrating National S'mores Day today

Don't get me wrong, I love s'mores -- both the "original" kind, where you roasted a marshmallow over an open fire and then slid it between two graham crackers and a square of chocolate before inserting into your mouth, and the Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor. But I hate when something you love, something so innocent and pure, suddenly becomes commercialized. (Yes, I'm talking to you, Kraft Foods, maker of Jet-Puffed Marshmallows and Honey Maid Grahams, and you, Hershey's.)

So, even though today is National S'mores Day, I will not be dipping my spoon into that container of Ben & Jerry's S'mores ice cream that is still sitting in my freezer. Nor will I be running to the supermarket to purchase a box of graham crackers, a bag of marshmallows, and chocolate. At least not today. Tomorrow, perhaps, but not today.

(Btw, for those of you interested in the history or origins of the s'more, according to several sources the first known recorded instance of the s'more was in the Girl Scout Handbook of 1927.)

UPDATED: I cannot believe I missed National Matzo Ball day last Thursday! (Okay, technically, it wasn't National Matzo Ball day, but it may as well have been. It's not every day you see a 267-pound kosher matzo ball. And it was for a good cause.) Though I did enjoy a lovely bowl of matzo ball soup on Saturday.

8 comments:

Dave S. said...

Oops. Please disregard the Hallmark S'Mores Day card I just put in the mail this morning, and the accompanying Singing S'More plush toy that I got when I bought $5 or more of Hallmark S'Mores Day items.

J. said...

Dang Dave! I wish you had let me know sooner. Btw, I just updated the post to acknowledge that last Thursday was National Matzo Ball day. I also missed National Margarita Day, which was, depending on what you read, either February 22 or May 5. But you can be sure I will celebrate it next year (if not sooner).

Lizzy said...

J., unfortunately, like David S., I already sent out my S'Mores gifts to you.

Expect a "S'Mores singing telegram" this afternoon for your listening pleasure. Later tonight, (adults only - invite your girlfriends!): the "S'Mores Delivery Man'" will be ringing your doorbell for a "delivery"! His motto: "lick my marshmellows please!"

Who knew there were so many "national ___ days?" You should create a calendar, J.!

Dave S. said...

Dumb question from the goyim section: Are there non-kosher matzo balls? Lizzy, I hope there isn't a singing telegram for THAT holiday.

J. said...

@Lizzy, LOL : ) (Alternate catch phrase: "Stick this between two graham crackers and some chocolate and lick it." Hi Mom!)

@Dave, good question, though I guess there could be non-kosher matzo meal/balls. As for the singing telegram, are you referring to National Matzo Ball day or National Margarita Day? (Also, see the comment on my Facebook link.)

Anonymous said...

Why the bitterness? We did the smores thing with my expat sister and her family. It was a real slice of America.

J. said...

Zero bitterness towards s'mores, Anonymous. Bitterness towards the commercialization and exploitation of a favorite summertime treat.

EMM said...

The Smores ice cream looks really good...glad I read your post AFTER going to the grocery store.

Mmmmm.