Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Peeps!: March Marshmallow Madness



It's our favorite time of year again, Peeps!

Though they now come in shapes and colors to compliment just about every holiday, most of us still associate Marshmallow Peeps with the pastel baskets, plastic grass and multi-colored eggs of Easter.  Each spring, as the weather turns warmer and tulips come in bloom, these fluffy treats bring a smile to so many faces...and a sadistic smirk to others.

Turning 56 this year, the Peep is more popular than ever, but perhaps in a different sense than Bob Born of the Just Born company envisioned when he brought this unique candy to the masses back in the 1950's.  Whereas chocolate bunnies and jelly beans, also traditional at this time of year, have only ever warranted a passing appreciation of their seasonal sweetness (and maybe an ear-biting joke or two), Peeps have inspired art, crafts, recipes and more than a few disturbing experiments*.  

What's the fascination?  If you have to ask, it's high time you sunk your teeth into one of these sweet, sticky, gratifyingly granular, adorably creepy little marshmallow birds.  And while you're savoring the sinful sponginess of it all, click through the list below for the good, the bad and the downright weird in the world of Peeps.

This site is chock full of Peep lore, fun facts and info on the full Peep product line.

37 creative contenders in the Washington Post's second annual Peeps Diorama Contest.  Hilarious!

Lest you worry about the little guys, this disclaimer is offered to ease your mind:  "Before any testing begins, all Peep subjects are thoroughly examined and sign a disclosure form explaining the potential risks of their volunteer service."

Original Peep art by David Ottogalli.  This site also has free Peep screen savers and wallpaper - sweet!

Oh, the carnage.

And if you're still curious:  Peep Image Google Search  (Don't miss the Peeps and Peppers Stir-Fry!)

*My Mother floats Peeps in the toilet every Easter.  Really.  It's a wonder I turned out as nearly normal as I did.

4 comments:

elizabeth said...

I love Peeps! Just once a year (same with Cadbury Eggs), but it's not complete with out the Peeps!

HeatherBakes said...

Oh, love the Peeps. I found some (off-brand) peeps in college that were chocolate-filled. Amazing.

Peeps in the toilet?? That's hilarious. I want to be friends with your mom :)

Anonymous said...

I wish I could understand the attraction. They look cute, but surely they were not intended to be eaten. Chewy, sticky, gritty. Seems like marzipan to me. Look, but don't eat.

Momcat said...

The tradition of Easter morning 'Potty Peeps' continues to the next generation with my adorable grandchildren.

The only concern, that Abby (now 3) will fish them out and eat them!

C&S - who told you that you're normal???