Wednesday, June 12, 2013

S’more Ice Cream Pie – Who’s Your Daddy’s Favorite Celebrity Dessert Chef?

Trick question; he doesn’t have one. That type of thing is more for women and food bloggers. In fact, your dad may not even have a favorite dessert, but if he had to pick one, I think a lot of fathers would go with s’mores – the campfire classic that inspired this frozen Father’s Day dessert.

S’mores are a simple, yet brilliant treat that represents everything most males, dads or otherwise, seem to love. It’s made over a crackling fire, the building of which triggers the release of all kinds of manly neurotransmitters in the brain. The same goes for sharpening sticks with knives, impaling things, and burning stuff.

And while you’re not experiencing those primitive pleasures here (except for the blowtorch, which is never not awesome), I think just the connection with the venerable s’more alone will be enough to have dad loving this pie.

If not, there’s always the crispy, buttery graham crackers, chocolate ice cream, and toasted marshmallows to make him proud of you anyway. Whether you make this for Father’s Day dessert or not, I really hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (28-oz) container chocolate ice cream
2-3 handfuls mini marshmallows, or enough to cover the top

View the complete recipe

50 comments:

Unknown said...

You lost me at blow torch.

Unknown said...

I gotta be honest.. this is a great blog, but really, a pie where you just dump ice cream in a crust and top it with marshmallows? This is what I would expect out of a child making dessert, not a chef.

Just my $0.02, carry on.

Chef John said...

I'm always fascinated how much I can tell about a person from one single blog comment. For every sad sack like you there will be 100 people that enjoy this video as much as any. Now...what's really bothering you?

Unknown said...

If you can't admit to yourself that this is a sad excuse of a recipe, then carry on. Surely a chef of your talent realizes that dumping ice cream into a pie shell and topping it with marshmallows is a bit lacking.

I say this with great admiration for the rest of your recipes - really inventive ideas, great flavor combinations, etc. This recipe just really kills me, though.

Estoy_Listo said...

I don't know. Cooking should be fun, I think, and to me this looks like a fun recipe, especially if you could use the marshmallows to sculpt a 1/64 replica of a 50's pin-up, which Dad also likes.

Chef John said...

A sad excuse? You're worse off than I thought.

Did you ever consider the hundreds of viewers new to cooking that had no idea how to make a graham crust? I heard from a bunch of them today. Two sisters that don't ever cook emailed to tell me they are making this for their dad. Are they sad? They actually sounded thrilled and happy.

Hating a recipe because a child could make it? Have you looked at the collection? We have at least 20 recipes simpler than this. It's just imbecilic.

Btw, this may come as a shock to a master culinarian such as yourself, but these simple technique videos are by far the most popular and highly rated.

No, this is a video I'm quite proud of, and you sir, are the sad excuse.

Hannah Nikole said...

This is a great recipe and I'm definitely gonna try this! This is perfect for the hot summer months. Thanks for the video!

Anonymous said...

Check this guy out, too good for ice cream. Ha. Moving on...

I was kind of bummed at first that the father's day dish was a pie, because my dad's favorite thing in the entire world is ice cream... and then BAM! ICE CREAM PIE!!
I am SO excited to make this! I just have to find a blow torch... is there ANYTHING else at all that I might be able to use? Otherwise, I'd better find myself a blow torch. There is no way I'm NOT making this!

Anonymous said...

Actually, I must say, this will make my dad's Father's Day. Thanks, Chef. I (we) appreciate this recipe immensely....As much, perhaps even more so, than a 20+ ingredient savory recipe.

Please don't stop what you are doing, and keep following your heart. YOU make my days a little brighter with each post.

Unknown said...

Also, Jeremy: I am HORRIFIED at the fact that you would let a child use a blow torch.

Matthew said...

Sir Chef John,

I have learnt a great deal from you, the first and biggest thing, is not to be so frightened to experiment in the kitchen. You said once that cooking is an art, that science is in the baking (Or words to the effect).

The second are the tricks and techniques that seem simple to a professional chef, but someone like myself would never think of. Let it be the combination of ingredients, or a cooking style or what have you.

Even if I never make this particular S'more cake, I will now know how to make a different dessert style crust.

People do need to be reminded on how often simple is best. Especially those who want to get their children involved in things, and not get left out.

The Doomsday Gourmet said...

Chef, What would you suggest as a good size for an all-purpose ice cream scoop? I'm thinking 2 tbsp but I want to consult you first.

Aaron said...

It is supposed to be a recipe for a father on Father's Day... It sounds like just the kind of thing that mom could get the kids in the kitchen for, to help out. Kids helping out in the kitchen is a win-win! They learn basic skills and build confidence to become competent adult cooks AND they get to be involved in the creation of something special for dad. Kids love that kind of thing!

Jeremy: I bet if you asked the good chef for a full refund, he would be happy to oblige.

And whether you are a child or an adult, learning the building blocks of cooking are essential to success in the kitchen. Before I started following Chef John I could construct a decent meal on own but these videos have taught me tons of techniques that you just can't pick up from a written recipe.

Thank you, Chef John!

Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul said...

My comment somehow disappeared...will try again.

Rock on Chef John. Simplicity is best, especially with family lives being so busy. Just because you are a chef, it doesn't mean you need to make complicated meals. I LOVE the simplicity. I, who have been baking for some time, embrace the simplicity in your recipes.

I love this idea. Why didn't I think of it...carry on with your lovin' bad self. You're the best.

Estoy_Listo said...

What Matthew said....

I can't tell you how many videos I've watched then thought, "so that's how you do it. That's easy."

cookinmom said...

Can I have smore pie...yea, which one...who's on first...!

We were stumped on what to make. My daughter will make it cause' it's so easy!!! Whew, thanks chef for letting me get out of this one!

Unknown said...

Just to let you know that I will use your ice cream recipe to make this luscious dessert! Thanks and happy Father's Day!

Unknown said...

Thanks chef John, love the video easy recipe for an amazing dessert. S'mor ice cream pie is a winner, such a simple recepi that delivers such great favors and compliments any occasion. As for the blow torch at the end, it had me feeling like a world class pastry chef. Will definitely pass this recepi to my kids.
@ Jeremy chaser, Jerk!

Unknown said...

Don't mind the haters Chef John!
I'm a fan of yours, all the way from the Philippines, and I love all of your recipes especially the simple recipes. Take it from your beloved viewer, because it makes us want to make it more than those complicated ones! :D It doesn't make you less of a Chef by making simple recipes for us, it actually motivates people like me, who does not even cook before I started watching your videos, to make you as an inspiration for cooking! We love you for this Chef John and please make some more simple recipes :)

Unknown said...

Don't mind the haters Chef John!
I'm a fan of yours, all the way from the Philippines, and I love all of your recipes especially the simple recipes. Take it from your beloved viewer, because it makes us want to make it more than those complicated ones! :D It doesn't make you less of a Chef by making simple recipes for us, it actually motivates people like me, who does not even cook before I started watching your videos, to make you as an inspiration for cooking! We love you for this Chef John and please make some more simple recipes :)

Unknown said...

Hey chef John!:) I have never been disappointed with even one of your recipes!! Would it be ok to roast the marshmallows under a broiler?? Un fortunately I do not have a blow torch:(

Unknown said...

Hey chef John! :) I have never been disappointed with one of your recipes!:) would it be ok to roast the mallows under a broiler?? I do not have a blow torch...:(

Chef John said...

Yes you can! Make sure it's frozen sold, and get it close to the heat!

Unknown said...

I look forward to visiting this site everyday. I don't like all the recipes, but I love the fact that after watching these videos, I feel extremely confident that I can create the recipe for myself and my family...both the harder recipes and the simple ones as well (MY ALL TIME FAVORITE IS "JUST CHICKEN AND MUSHROOMS"...SO SIMPLE, BUT SOOOO MUCH FLAVOR...sometimes with success and sometimes not quite so good, but I always have fun trying.

As Chef John discusses, all of the videos are teaching something. It is not always the recipe so much as the technique.

This simple pie is perfect for me to "hope" my family will make me for fathers day. No one has to spend hours baking, but rather spending time with me eating this delicious treat.

I am not a chef, but I like to cook. I can't stand going to other sites watching ten plus minutes of someone showing me each step in a long, slow detailed process. Chef Johns videos have spoiled me and I rarely make it through other chefs loooonnnggg, boring drawn out videos. Foodwishes videos are quick, very clear, often very funny and mostly, they are about the food and not the fancy skills of the chef.

Thanks Chef John. All of your recipes are very enjoyable to watch and I look forward to each one.

Touche on standing up for yourself and your beliefs. Your tireless efforts are greatly appreciated by me and MOST of your viewers.

Chris.

Unknown said...

When I first saw this one, my first thought was "I hope he's going to show us how to make a graham cracker crust from scratch." Everything after that was just gravy.

A "pro tip" about torches: If you want a crème brûlée torch and don't want to spend $50, go to a real electronics store and get a Weller soldering/heat shrink torch. It's about half the price, and it's not just similar, it's EXACTLY THE SAME THING (except maybe the color).

edward said...

You had me at blowtorch.

edward said...

In regards to the people talking smack about this recipe - you do realize this was made apparently especially for Father's Day - which means man-food. If I made something this complicated for him I might get hit - and you want something more extravagant? My dad's happy with a giant bag of Oreos or Nutter-butters, a big glass of milk and some cartoons.

Myka said...

Ugh those nasty haters...
Don't worry, Chef John! I always look forward to your video recipes and always will! I'm actually pleased with the fact that this is simple, I'm not a very good chef (yet).
I am definitely making this for Fathers Day! Not only am I making this, but I'm also making your Fathers Day garlic steak, too.
-Your #1 fan from Alaska, Myka

Unknown said...

I'm going to suggest a sound beating for Jeremy with a freakishly small spoon.

Lizzie Lioness said...

Hi Chef John,

This looks amazing!

I am from Australia and we do not have any Graham Crackers here.

Do you know any substitute?

Thanks


ChristineDux said...

I always thought that graham cracker crusts have to be baked a bit before filling. What keeps it from turning back into wet sand? Frozenness?

ET said...

Chef John...

I watch most of your videos with my 10-year old daughter, and she is gaining in confidence and desire to cook good food (she is especially good at spotting freakishly small wooden spoons, and knows exactly when to do the old tappa tappa).

I love the time we spend together in the kitchen...this recipe will be her father's day gift to me, and I can't think of any gift that would give me as much pleasure.

Thanks for all you do for your loyal fans!

Mar-One said...

Thank you chef JOhn for all the recipes, the techniques, the jokes, and the great flavors and memories you have brought to my home. My wife, family, and friends are HUGE fans!!

cdcphoenix said...

So much of cooking is coming up with ideas. Creativity keeps cooks going. Here you have a completely new take on a much loved treat. What could be wrong with that? Yes, it could be made with home baked grahams, homemade chocolate ice creams, and handmade marshmallows. Go ahead if you have the extra time. But the point is, who needs to do those things, when Chef John makes this so easy and fun.
I wish I could "Like" some of the comments: Kelsey's about letting a child use a blow torch... Too funny.
Your Eminem reference and added manly instruction made this video at least as much fun as any of the others.
People who have to cook everyday for their families appreciate simple dishes, especially tasty, clever simple dishes.
Keep 'em coming, Chef. You are adored and appreciated!
Claudine

Willie Dukeshire said...

Great job Chef, LOL can I have s'more? my wife and I just love your videos.and your sense of humour....we are always listening for ....the drum sound LOL.I guess when ya deal with the public like I do as well....guys like Jeremy...ah..water off a ducks back.Lifes to short to be bothered by Idiots,and cooking the food you put on your blog is just so much fun! thank you so much

Willie Dukeshire said...

ps chef John, my friends are also getting into your blog,every time my friend Kathy is over she asks ïs there a new one yet?"lol gotta luv it

Steve Kennedy said...

That was quite tasty, Sorry, I could not wait till fathers day. I sort of tried, but ended up eating most of it. I will send him flowers or something. This Pie is mine.

Glabro said...

Dear Chef John!

I couldn't agree more about the simplicity of some of your recipes. I am a guy who always wanted to cook and am planning of a switch in my career. (IT -> kitchen).

In my opinion cooking should be FUN and FUN ONLY. I doesn't make a difference if you cherish a marinated venison or a graham crust.

Isn't it all about smile? That's why I switch and thanks to YOU and similar videos I have faith in humanity and my passion of giving others food-gasms. :)

Please, leave the "greatest chefs" alone and ignore their hatred. I think it all comes down to jealousy. At some point you simply lose your purpose for cooking... BUT NOT YOU! You will always be my mentor.

Increase the peace!

Unknown said...

I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your blog and videos regardless how complex or simple they are. I'm still learning my way around the kitchen and every Food Wish recipe (simple or not) has come out awesome. Your humor and style really inspires me to try new and different things that I never was though was possible. Please don't ever change! Have a wonderful day!

CouponMom11 said...

Chef John.. I'm one of those that don't know how to make a graham crust! Mine came out more like a dough when i mixed it all up. What did i do wrong??? Help please!!

Chef John said...

No idea! Graham crumbs and melted butter don't make a dough. Maybe cheap butter that had a lot of water in it?

Kris said...

For the Aussie - when I lived in the UK and needed graham crackers and couldn't find any, I found that plain digestive biscuits (not the ones with chocolate, just the plain ones) worked acceptably well as an alternative. The flavor/texture is ever so slightly different, but not enough to be a problem with something like a graham cracker crust, imo. (I made a crust for key lime pie with them multiple times quite successfully.)

As far as people complaining that it's too simple - if you want to make it more complex, make your own ice cream. Or experiment with the filling - I'm thinking I might try some sort of chocolate mousse type thing instead of plain ice cream, for a bit of a lighter mouth feel. (Like, not a super airy mousse, just something with more air incorporated than your standard ice cream.)

Southern Sweet Treats said...

Awesome comeback, Chef John! This is your site & if someone wants to bring negativity then they need to know the rules.

I love this idea! My Dad is into the idea of "simple is better" & would adore this for his birthday next week! Thank you for always being so positive & giving your fans many wonderful ideas/recipes. ^.^

Lizzie Lioness said...

Thanks Kris. Your help was much appreciated :)

Unknown said...

When you said spoonula I did not think of a spoon and spatula. Yes, I know this is a cooking blog and I should have, but instead I thought of a dracula spoon. I pictured a spoon with a cape laughing nefariously.
This looks great, and when I am adding it to my list of food to make.

ItasF said...

Thanks to you Chef, I have graduated to planning a full meals a day in advance (more than that is no fun). You always brighten my day, thanks!

Maureen said...

I'm making this for our family 4th of July BBQ, and I can't wait to try it! I know the kids will love it. Thank you for the simple, creative dessert, Chef John, and thank you for giving me an excuse to buy a torch.

Tom and Rocki said...

We used a glass pie plate and the crust stuck to the plate. Should we have sprayed the plate first? Used homemade ice cream and put under broiler because we don't have a torch. The pie was sooo delicious! Thank you!

Giny said...

Such a simple, nice and delicious recipe! I think I'm going to get wild and add a bit of Nutella in some point. It's my dad's birthday in few days, so I'm definitely making this treat ;)
Tomorrow I'll be doing the red velvet cupcakes, just for fun!
By the way, I got a nice toy, a popcake maker (pretty much as a cupcake maker, but round)... Any good ideas of what to do with it?

Thank you so much, Chef! Awesome job!

Cynthi said...

This recipe sounds delicious!can't wait to try it!