Allstar Mackenzie Burgess Shares the Sticky-Sweet Menu for Her Summer Party in Colorado

Whether it’s for a Friday happy hour at the backyard firepit or inventing creative combos, this campfire girl is all about the s’mores.

Allrecipes Allstar Mackenzie Burgess, RDN loves nothing more than the great outdoors. Growing up in the mountains of Colorado, Burgess’ summers were filled with camping, hiking, and roasting hotdogs, tin-foil boats of veggies, and marshmallows for s’mores over the campfire.

Campfire cooking is “the perfect hands-on activity that brings the kid out of everyone," she says. So it’s no wonder that Burgess, who now lives in Denver, keeps up that hiking, camping, and campfire tradition with her fiance, Brandon. The couple explores new hikes twice a month and, when buying their first house together a year ago, insisted on a backyard firepit. Burgess loves having friends over for Friday night happy hours that feature–you guessed it–s’mores, and will even have a s’mores bar at her wedding this summer in just a couple of weeks. Clearly, Burgess loves the sticky backyard classic, so we caught up with her about her favorite ways to update the original recipe as well as more of her summer food and entertaining favorites.

How did s’mores become a beloved tradition for you?

The s'mores tradition in my family started with my mom, who grew up camping and perfecting the art of roasting marshmallows with her dad (my grandpa). So, as my parents took us camping, the tradition became a staple. My mom would get all the graham crackers and chocolate squares lined up on a tray so we could quickly transfer the hot marshmallows to them.

Clearly Brandon’s on board with s’mores, too!

Back in summer 2021, we went camping with a couple other friends for the first time and we made a bunch of s'mores for dessert. He’s definitely a fan–he says it's the perfect sweet tooth fix!

Do you have a favorite s'mores combination?

My favorite s'mores combo is actually using a mini croissant as the base, then topping with dark chocolate squares, and finally adding over an extra gooey, golden brown marshmallow to melt the chocolate. You can even try to toast the croissant a bit in an air fryer or over the fire before topping so it's nice and crunchy.

Yum! How did you come up with that?

I've always been such a huge chocolate croissant lover. So I thought, why not make a riff on chocolate croissants by testing croissant s'mores? I tried it out one night and was instantly hooked.

Any new combinations that would make a good s'more?

I've been experimenting with adding a bit of smashed berries or jam to s'mores for a fruit twist. You just want to eat it right away, otherwise it will make the graham cracker soft. Here's a new combo I’m working on: Graham cracker, mashed raspberries, raspberry-flavored dark chocolate, and vanilla marshmallow on top. I've also made a s'more using a steamed sweet potato as the base.

Let’s talk summer entertaining! What do your plans look like?

I love small, intimate happy hour gatherings on Friday nights with a couple or two to play board games and hang out. It is a great way to unwind and start the weekend.

What inspires you the most this time of year?

I am a big farmers market girl. I love getting out, talking with the growers, and grabbing what is fresh and in season. Then, I like to challenge myself to find a way to incorporate my haul into our dinner for that night.

Any favorite finds at the market?

Peach season in Colorado begins at the end of June or the beginning of July. I love Palisade peaches; there is a town called Palisade that is known for them.

What is your favorite thing to make with peaches?

A peach cobbler or crumble; both are just classic summer desserts.

What’s your go-to tool or appliance in the summer?

My air fryer. I love to use it because I don't have to get my house hot; cooking is quick and easy.  This recipe for air fried salmon bites is one of my favorites! I have these on repeat in the summer.

What’s at the top of your to-do list this summer?

I want to perfect my homemade pasta skills.  We are going to Italy for four weeks for our honeymoon. We are staying in six cities, seeing all the sights, and taking cooking classes. It will be  my first time in Europe; I can't wait to explore and get lost in the culture.

What would you say Summer 2024 is the summer of?

It’s the summer of love. This summer, we can't wait to get married and be surrounded by friends and family. And, of course, enjoy s'mores.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

Read the original article on All Recipes.