Introduction: Mini S'mores Grill

About: I am very geeky. I love to do hardware stuff like electronics and robotics projects, as well as software (coding and such). I am a full-time net / sys admin, plus I balance being a manger in there somehow. …

I have my youngest son to thank for this Instructable. He wanted S'mores, but didn't want the marshmallows put in the microwave. He wanted authentic, toasted-on-an-open-flame S'mores.

When I told him that I did not really want to fire up the grill just to make a couple S'mores, he suggested a mini grill. BRILLIANT!

Step 1: Parts and Tools Needed

Parts:

(1) Cedar Plank
(4) Bolts - 1/4 inch and 2 and 1/2 inches tall
(4) Nuts - 1/4 inch
(4) Optional washers for the bolts
(1) 2.5oz Stainless Steel Condiment Cup (Four for 1$ at Wal-Mart)
(1) Box of cheap toothpicks
--NOT PICTURED--
(1) Box of matches
(1) Bag of large marshmallows
(1) Chocolate Bar
(1) Box of graham crackers
(1) Bamboo skewers, normally used for shish kabobs

Tools:
(1) Drill
(1) 2 and 1/2 inch drill bit
(1) 1/4 inch drill bit
(1) Saw

Step 2: Drilling, Cutting, and Drilling Some More

I found out that I had to drill the large hole first. Otherwise, the board is too fragile to cut a large hole in.

Drill the large hole (2 and 1/2 inch bit) in the center of the cedar and about 1/2 inch away from the outside edge (see pic).

HANDY TIP: Put a scrap board underneath when cutting to prevent the wood from splintering.

Once that hole is drilled, measure about 1/2 inch away from the other side of the whole and cut (see pic).

When that piece is done, drill four holes in the corners with a 1/4 inch drill bit (see pic).

Step 3: Bolt It Up and Drop in the Cup

Insert a bolt into each hole and tighten it there with a nut (see pic).

When that is done, drop the cup in the hole (see pic).

A perfect fit!

Step 4: Fill It With Toothpicks, Light It Up and Start Toasting Marshmallows

WARNING!: Don't be dumb when playing with fire. Always keep a close watch on the fire and do this outside. Make sure you have a large amount of water or a fire extinguisher handy in case the fire spreads. You have been warned. Don't come whining to me if you burn something down or hurt yourself.

OK, now that we have settled that, on to the fire building. I only used a small group of cheap toothpicks (about 20). I broke them in half so they would rest in the bottom of the cup. You do not need the flame too high!

Get your marshmallow prepared by placing it on the end of a bamboo skewer. Place a piece of cholocate on top of a graham cracker. Have the other graham cracker piece ready to be placed on top.

Light the toothpicks with a match. I found that about 20 toothpicks in the cup can toast 2 marshmallows... maybe three, but I like mine nice and toasty (burned).

NOTE: Don't blow on your marshmallow when it's by the mini grill. My son did and it blew the lit toothpicks out of the cup! YIKES!

Once the marshmallow is toasted, place it on top of the chocolate and then put the other half of the graham cracker on top of that. Wait for the chocolate to get nice and melty and then enjoy your S'mores!

When you are done with the mini grill, pick it up by the edge of the cedar and run water into the cup to put out the fire. I also found that there is a pleasant cedar smell given off after using the grill.

ENJOY!

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