What are you family favorite activities? Usually there is a food that you associate with it. If camping is not really your thing and s’mores are not something that you absolutely love, go ahead and be creative!  Instead of a chocolate filling, make a caramel or strawberry filling! WOW..I just had an idea for pink and white dip with sprinkles on top..just like frosted Circus Animal cookies!

FLUFFY S’MORES DIP

Ingredients: 

• 8 oz cream cheese softened and divided
• 1 cup powdered sugar divided
• 3.5 oz marshmallow fluff about half a standard-sized tub
• 1 cup mini marshmallows divided (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa unsweetened powder
• graham crackers for dipping

Directions:

1. Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + medium bowl), blend together 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and the marshmallow fluff on high until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add about 3/4 cup of mini marshmallows in with the marshmallow mixture and gently stir with a spoon until mini marshmallows are completely covered. Set fluffy marshmallow dip aside.
3. In another medium bowl, whip together remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract on high until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Set whipped cream aside.
4. In a new medium bowl, blend together remaining 4 oz cream cheese and cocoa powder on high until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add whipped cream to bowl and mix on low until cream and chocolate are completely incorporated, about another 2-3 minutes.
5. To assemble the dip: Add fluffy marshmallow and chocolate dips to a single bowl, alternating between the two.
6. When the bowl is full, use a spoon or butter knife to drag through the dip, swirling the colors together. Top the dip with the remaining 1/4 cup mini marshmallows.
7. Serve dip immediately with graham crackers for dipping.

QUICK TIP~ BONUS RECIPE

Don’t have marshmallow cream on hand? No problem! You can make it yourself!

• 1 cup of mini marshmallows (or 10 large)
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup (or simple syrup)

This recipe can be easily doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled. Simply stick to the same ratio listed above.

Directions:

1. Melt the marshmallows in a double boiler over low heat. You’ll notice that the marshmallows progress from solid to sort of liquid-like with lumps; when they have begun to become sticky, add the corn syrup or simple syrup. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
2. Any remaining lumps will gradually give way to a smooth, sticky mixture. The mixture is easier to transfer while hot, so transfer from the top of the double boiler to a storage container while it is still quite warm.
3. Like fluff or melted marshmallows, slightly wet or buttered hands will help in handling the mixture to avoid it sticking to you. Spraying your storage container with non-stick spray can work wonders, too.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Chrisy at Homemade Hooplah