Introduction: Mini Nutella S'more Truffles on Stick

About: I'm a maker, gluten free home brewer, laser cutter, and aspiring space cowboy who lives with his lovely wife, wonderful dog and 2 cats in Charlotte, NC. I enjoy riding dual sport motorcycles and restoring old …

Fall and Winter mean fairs, festivals, sweet drinks, warm fires, and all kinds of edible treats. I wanted to create something to try to bring all those things together in a treat that was fun (and relatively easy) to make and would be at home on the kids desert table or garnishing a season adult beverage. Also - I wanted it to be on a stick and contain Nutella... thus Mini Nutella S'more Truffles (On a Stick) were born.


Note: While the ones pictured contain dairy and wheat, I've included options for a Vegan and Gluten Free Alternatives for each ingredient.

Equipment
Spatula
2 Microwave Safe Bowls (or 2 Double Boilers)
Microwave (Or Stove)
Cookie Sheet or Plate
Toothpicks
Blowtorch (Optional)
Freezer (Optional)

Ingredients
Mini Marshmallows (Dandies are a great Vegan, Kosher, Gluten Free Alternative)
Nutella (DIY Vegan 'ible also Gluten Free)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Many are gluten free and Vegan by default)
Graham Crackers (Vegan and Gluten Free Recipe)




Step 1: Before We Start Melting

Clear off a workspace: things can get messy when dealing with melted chocolate, melty nutella, graham cracker crumbs, and dangerous when you add fire.

I found it easiest to use a set of matching bowls for each ingredient instead of working from their packages but your mileage may very.

1. Skewer your marshmallows - 2-3 works best, depending on size of toothpick and marshmallows, make sure the tip of the pick extends slightly beyond the end of your marshmallow.
2. Crunch you Graham Crackers - I used another bowl, you want some really fine and some 1/8" -1/4" (.25 - .5 cm) chunks.

Step 2: Optional Step - Get Toasted!

Toasting tiny marshmallows on a tiny stick should require a tiny campfire and a team of tiny helpers. As I had neither the campfire or helpers I had to make do with a propane torch at its lowest setting, a Bunsen Burner, Alcohol Burner, or perhaps even an unscented candle may work too.

Just like on a campfire with full size marshmallows on a full size stick you want a nice golden brown to get some of that carmelization and not napalm balls of carbon death.

This step isn't strictly required, but who wants an un-toasted mallow on their S'more?

Note: Melted marshmallows are hard to keep on the stick in the next few steps, you can make your life easier by putting your batch in the freezer for 30 minutes before continuing

Step 3: Choose Wisely

Chocolate or Graham Cracker on the outside
That is the question
Whether 'tis Nobler in the taste to saver
The Darkness and Mystery of a Chocolate Coating,
Or to take Crumbs from a Cracker of Graham...

Seriously though - you need to choose if you want a solid chocolate shell hiding the graham cracker crust or to show it off. When I asked 2 people to taste test and judge presentation they were split.
Keep in mind that those with a graham cracker coating on the outside hide imperfections better and are easily to remove from the cookie sheet before serving - but you have to work faster because you need to keep the chocolate and nutella melted.

For Cracker Crust Proceed to Step 4, For Chocolate Shell Skip to Step 5

Step 4: Graham Cracker Crust

Note: if freezing remove marshmallows from Freezer
1. Melt Nutella - Heat Nutella in a 1000W Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat in 15 second intervals until Nutella no longer holds shapes. Alternatively Heat over double boiler on as low temp as possible until same texture is achieved.

2. Melt Chocolate Chips - Melt according to package instructions.

3. Coat in Nutella - using stick roll Marshmallow on surface of Nutella until you achieve a thing coating all the way around. Allow to cool until Nutella firms up again.

4. Coat in Chocolate - Quickly dip Nutella coated Marhmallow in melted chocolate and remove.

5. Add Crust - While chocolate layer is still shiny and tacky sprinkle with then dip in graham cracker crumbs.

6. Super Cool - While still pliable, place vertically on a cookie sheet so that the truffle stands on its own and allow to cool (or place in freezer for 15 minutes).

Step 5: Chocolate Shell Shock

Note: if freezing remove marshmallows from Freezer
1. Melt Nutella - Heat Nutella in a 1000W Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat in 15 second intervals until Nutella no longer holds shapes. Alternatively Heat over double boiler on as low temp as possible until same texture is achieved.

2. Coat in Nutella - using stick roll Marshmallow on surface of Nutella until you achieve a thing coating all the way around. Allow to cool until Nutella firms up again.

3. Add Crust - While Nutella layer is still shiny and tacky sprinkle with then dip in Graham Cracker crumbs.

4. Mini Cool - Allow to cool until room temperature or throw in the freezer for 15 minutes.

5. Melt Chocolate Chips - Melt according to package instructions.

6. Coat in Chocolate - Quickly dip Graham Cracker Crusted Marhmallow in melted chocolate and remove.

7. Super Cool - While still pliable, place vertically on a cookie sheet so that the truffle stands on its own and allow to cool (or place in freezer for 15 minutes).

Step 6: Clean Up - Then Serve and Enjoy

Your hands are sticky, your utensils and bowls are filled with melted chocolate and Nutella and you are ready to go have fun. Deal with the mess now, BEFORE dark stuff cools - you'll thank me later.

NOW: Make these and serve them on a tray or use them to garnish an eggnog or s'more martini.
Drink Responsibly, Spend Time with Friends and Family Regularly, and create Relentlessly.