Close your eyes, sit back, and think of your best campfire memory. As a kid, my family went camping often. With one bite of gooey marshmallow, crunchy graham cracker, and rich chocolate I am transported back to a time where sticky fingers, smoky sweatshirts, spooky ghost stories, and the smell of bug spray made me feel like the happiest girl in the world.

Unfortunately this week, I was dealt an unexpected card and needed to bask in some more comforting memories. For the past several months I was lucky enough to grow and learn in my dream job of prop styling, at a place I loved, with people that inspired me. Due to the company's budgetary concerns, I am now entering the world of freelance. While I did not expect to move on so quickly, I know in the long run this experience will allow me to pursue more. More interests, more photography studios, more networking... more ice cream? Since Wednesday I've gone back and forth between being thrilled for the next opportunity and being broken hearted. Truthfully if you put on a sad song, I will turn to mush right now.

Through all of that, you should know; I am never one to turn down a new adventure.

I am still in the thick of it, but I have to say funemployment has not been all bad. I finally have time to make ice cream in the middle of the day! And delicious ice cream at that. While I can't make it home to get the comfort I want in the form of a bear hug from my parents, I decided on the second best comforting thing: my favorite dessert. Instead of escaping to the upstate wilderness and a campfire on my lonesome, I cooked up a summertime memory to bring me relief.

Creamy graham cracker flavored ice cream base with swirls of roasted marshmallow and thick chunks of chocolate. I mean, how could you not like that?! It's truly a delicious campfire memory and there is s'more where that came from. Oh man... I crack myself up!

P.S. If you know of anyone looking for an assistant stylist, I am now on the market! ;-)

S'more Ice Cream

1 sleeve Graham Crackers, honey
1 1/2 cup whole milk
3 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
15 marshmallows
1/2 bag (about 1 cup) chocolate chunks, semi-sweet

In a medium sized saucepan, combine whole milk and sleeve of graham crackers. Let sit for about ten minutes or until graham crackers soften. Put saucepan over low heat on the stove and add in heavy cream, sugar, and salt and whisk until brought to a very low simmer. When you see bubbles on the sides of the pot, strain graham cracker mixture into a bowl through a mesh sieve. Let the base cool on the counter for thirty minutes and then cover and place in the refrigerator for one hour.

Churn ice cream base in ice cream mixer according to manufactures instructions. While ice cream is churning, place marshmallows on a very well greased baking sheet in the oven. Bring oven to broil and check marshmallows frequently, rotating to ensure browning on all sides. Remove golden brown marshmallows from oven when they begin to loose their shape. Be careful because it happens quickly! You are going to add melty-gooey-browned marshmallows into the ice cream base in pieces, so don't worry if it's not pretty.

As ice cream base thickens and is almost complete, add in marshmallow in small pieces, ensuring you get ribbons throughout. Finally add in chocolate chunks and churn for two more minutes. Place ice cream in airtight containers and freeze for 4 hours or more.

Finally, sit back, close your eyes, take a bite, and reminisce in your own campfire memories until you're ready for s'more.