Since we’re kind of on a camping theme this week, I got super excited when I came across this science project for kids--a solar oven to make s’mores!! And, I’ll be completely honest--I really want to try this too! I would have LOVED it if my parents had tried this with me as a kid. I guess I’m still a kid at heart!
You can go on Pinterest or Google ‘solar oven for kids’ and tons of options come up. I chose this one solely based on liking the picture. I’ll link that one here--it is not my idea or instructions (credit goes to Desert Chica.
What you need:
Pizza box (any size)
Scissors / razor knife / craft knife
Markers (optional for decorating)
Black construction paper
Glue
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Wooden skewer / pencil
S’mores ingredients: graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows
How to make it:
**ADULT: Cut the oven door flap. Cut around three sides of the LID of the box, leaving about a 1” border (do NOT on the side where the lid attaches to the box).
If you child wants to decorate the box, now is the time to do that!
Glue black construction paper to the bottom of the oven--the bottom of the inside of the box. The dark paper will absorb heat.
Glue aluminum foil to the inside of the lid. This will reflect the sunlight into the oven.
Place your layered graham crackers (bottom layer), chocolate, and marshmallows into the oven.
Keeping the lid open, place plastic wrap over the opening to the oven. This will help trap heat inside the oven. (And keep bugs out!)
Place the oven out in the sun--direct sunlight is probably best.
Use the skewer or pencil to prop the lid open so the sun is reflected off of the tinfoil into the oven.
The original blog said it took about 90 minutes on a HOT day for the s’mores to bake, using marshmallow puffiness as an indicator of doneness. If it was a less hot day, she allowed the chocolate to melt and called the s’mores ‘done.’
My note: Using mini marshmallows may help to speed up the process as their surface area is smaller and the heat does not need to get through as thick of an area to puff the marshmallow.
I’m also going to throw in a “cheat” activity for making s’mores! This can be used as a back-up should the solar oven not work as planned (I love a good back-up plan!), if it rains, or just as a quick pick-me-up should you, or the kids, be craving them! This is such a genius idea--kudos to the person who thought of this!
I know you can make them standard: Place a graham cracker on a paper plate. Place the chocolate on top. Add a marshmallow. Microwave until the marshmallow puffs.
But, this other idea is brilliant! I think it makes the snack a little less messy, which I would totally go for.
All you need:
Pre-made mini graham cracker crusts
Chocolate
Marshmallows (mini)
Microwave safe plate
**Remove the pie crust from the tin before microwaving!!
Place the crust on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle chocolate chips/chunks and mini marshmallows into the pie crust. Microwave until it melts to your desired texture. Mini pie!!!
You could also try this method in your solar oven! It may even help to contain the mess of melted chocolate! I love it!
If you’re a s’mores fanatic, check out Pinterest! The ideas are endless! There are super cute baking ideas, pies, dips, etc. I was in s’mores heaven working on this post!
(Idea/Information borrowed from Desert Chica--desertchica.com)