Have you ever been craving a delicious s’more, but didn’t have access to a campfire or grill? Well, you’re in luck! It turns out you can absolutely roast marshmallows over a Sterno flame – as long as you do it safely.
So if you’re ready to learn how to roast marshmallows over a Sterno flame, read on! I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
What is Sterno, Exactly?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk a bit about what Sterno actually is. Sterno is a brand name for a type of chafing fuel – a jellied, alcohol-based fuel that’s commonly used to keep food warm at buffets and catered events.
The key thing to know about Sterno is that it’s made with a specific type of alcohol called ethanol. This means it burns cleanly and safely, without producing any harmful fumes or residues. In fact, Sterno is actually approved by the FDA for direct food heating.
The important thing is to make sure you’re using the right type of Sterno. Look for cans that are labeled as containing “ethanol” – these are the ones that are safe for cooking and roasting marshmallows. Avoid any Sterno cans that list “methanol” as an ingredient, as those can release toxic fumes.
How to Roast Marshmallows Over Sterno
Okay, now that we’ve got the safety basics covered, let’s talk about the fun part – how to actually roast those marshmallows! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- A can of Sterno (make sure it’s the ethanol-based kind)
- Marshmallows
- Long skewers or roasting sticks
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate bars (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or any other flavor you like!)
Set Up Your Roasting Station
Find a sturdy, heat-safe surface to set up your Sterno can. A ceramic or metal tray works great. Make sure the area is clear of any flammable materials.
Light the Sterno can according to the instructions on the label. You want the flame to be steady and even, not too high or too low.
Roast Those Marshmallows!
Carefully spear a marshmallow onto the end of your skewer or roasting stick. Hold it over the Sterno flame, rotating it slowly to get an even, golden-brown toasting.
Pro Tip: For the best results, keep the marshmallow about 4-6 inches above the flame. Any closer and it may start to char or drip.
Once your marshmallow is perfectly toasted to your liking, it’s time to assemble your s’more! Grab a graham cracker and place a piece of chocolate on one half. Carefully slide the hot marshmallow off the skewer and onto the chocolate. Top with the other graham cracker half to create a delicious, gooey s’more.
Repeat the process with as many marshmallows as you’d like! You can even get creative and try different flavor combinations, like peanut butter cups or salted caramel chocolate.
Clean Up
When you’re done roasting, simply blow out the Sterno flame and allow the can to cool completely before disposing of it. The leftover gel fuel can be reused for future s’mores sessions.
Safety Tips for Roasting Over Sterno
While roasting marshmallows over Sterno is generally safe, there are a few important precautions to keep in mind:
1. Use the right type of Sterno. As mentioned earlier, make sure you’re using the ethanol-based Sterno, not the methanol kind. The ethanol version is specifically approved for direct food heating.
2. Keep a safe distance. Hold the marshmallows about 4-6 inches above the flame to prevent them from charring or dripping. And be careful not to let the skewers get too close to the flame.
3. Supervise children closely. Marshmallow roasting can be a fun activity for kids, but they’ll need close adult supervision to ensure they’re being safe. Avoid letting little hands get too close to the open flame.
4. Extinguish the flame when done. When you’re finished roasting, be sure to blow out the Sterno flame and allow the can to cool completely before moving or storing it.
5. Avoid using old or expired Sterno. Older cans may have a higher methanol content, so it’s best to use fresh Sterno for the safest results.
Following these simple safety guidelines will ensure you can enjoy roasting marshmallows over Sterno with peace of mind. It’s such a fun and easy way to satisfy that s’mores craving, no matter the weather!
Variations and Serving Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique of roasting marshmallows over Sterno, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
Indoor S’mores Bar: Set up a DIY s’mores bar with an array of chocolate, graham crackers, and toppings like crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or drizzled caramel. Let your guests get creative with their s’more creations.
Flavored Marshmallows: Try using flavored marshmallows, like chocolate, strawberry, or even peppermint for a seasonal twist.
Microwave S’mores: If you don’t have a Sterno can handy, you can also make s’mores in the microwave. Just place a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham cracker halves, then microwave for 10-15 seconds until the marshmallow is puffed and the chocolate is melted.
S’mores Dip: For a shareable dessert, make a s’mores dip by melting chocolate and marshmallow fluff in a baking dish. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.
S’mores Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup, and crushed graham crackers for a decadent s’mores-inspired milkshake.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to getting creative with indoor s’mores! So gather your friends and family, light up that Sterno, and get ready for a deliciously gooey good time.