Bringing the family and friends together on a crisp autumn eve has a memory making potential few experiences can beat. My good friend (and garden guru), Carter, developed this recipe for an autumn evening around the backyard fire-pit.
So, fire up the fire-pit and gather round to toast marshmallows with an unbelievable berry sauce. An added touch — if you have the pleasure of growing blackberry or raspberry vines in your backyard — add a couple of the pruned vines to the fire. They add a sparkle to the blaze that’s added beauty.
Like all great “gather round the fire” experiences, some parts are best left to the adults, others to the kids. Here is the part for grown-ups:
Adult Part
2 cups smashed fruit (Black or Red Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, Apricots, or Grapes) (Jellies or Jams can be substituted)
1/3 cup Brandy, Bourbon, or Cognac (don’t worry, alcohol will evaporate, leaving just the flavor)
Dump ingredients into a sauce pan and reduce until thickened.
Strain if desired„„depends on if you like pulp or not.
Pour into a Gravy Bowl or set the sauce pan (fondue pot if you have one) next to the fire pit. (Keep sauce warm)
Build the fire and let reduce almost to coals
Now comes the fun part — bring the kids together and let them toast the marshmallows:
Spear and toast 2 marshmallows per stick.
Dip in or ladle over the toasted Marshmallows.
Remove marshmallows with your fingers and eat.
Side note: you might want to keep some handi wipes or some type of moist towel handy to help with sticky hands.
Repeat and enjoy for a tasty treat and a memory to last for years.
I’m guessing that this could be produced in a larger quantity and used for a “dessert” type Fondue.
Apple, Peach, Pear, & Apricot slices dipped into that mix would be great !
Oh, and add about 1/3 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk to the mixture. You will never go back to Smores after eating this. ;<{)