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Peeps!
What is Easter without marshmallow Peep candy? Less disgusting, you say? Oh, now, don't be a joykill. Peeps are a major touchstone of kitschy pop culture in the U.S. If you have never consumed a peep, all you need to know is that they are freaky little blobs of marshmallow-like substance coated with brightly colored sugar. Many people prefer them stale.
Just Born, the company that spawns Peeps, has a surprisingly long history. Before the 1950s, they were produced by hand, and took twenty-seven hours from start to finish! After 1953, they were mass-produced, all the better for peep world domination. I was also interested to discover that the founder of the Just Born company was named Sam Born. I always thought it had more to do with the fact that they produced "just born" chicks and bunnies.
Just Born is trying to expand them into other holidays, like Halloween and Christmas. But really, who wants a Peep Christmas tree? I didn't think so.
So I provide you now with a celebration of all things Peep!
There are Peep sports, such as Peep-eating contests and Peep jousting, which requires a microwave. (Hat tip to the Billings Gazette for that one.) I am guessing the clean up is worth it.
You may also enjoy Peeps as an art form. My local paper runs a Peep art contest every year. This year's theme was "Peeps in the News." I especially enjoyed Amy Winepeep and Barack Opeepa. Related to Peep art is Peep film. Yesbutnobutyes, a site I am loving more all the time, presents a Peep Film Festival. If visuals are not inspiring you, you may consider Peep Haiku. Don't forget to mention something about the season.
Something that absolutely amazed me was homemade peeps! I wonder if it took them twenty-seven hours as well? NinaBeth made cute little Easter shapes that look tasty and cute, because they are a little wonky and therefore have that adorable homemade cachet. Sarah Meyer Walsh made some also, brightly colored and in cute shapes.
Of course, there are also a ton of Peep crafts and recipes out there. You can make an edible Peep nests or sacrifice Peeps to the chocolate gods with Peep fondue.
If all this is making your teeth hurt, you could try sugar-free Peeps. Tricia of Reston Mom has thoughtfully provided us with a review of the be-Splenda'ed little Peepers. Not too shabby, she says.
If you celebrate it, have a good Easter weekend. We will be dying eggs, but not buying bunnies or chicks, unless they are the marshmallow kind!
Pic from I Can Has Cheezburger.
