I recently saw a survey detailing our preferences in Easter candy. They always do these things around holidays that are celebrated with candy. These days, it seems every holiday has its own line of candy. I’m good with that. Personally, any day that involves candy is a holiday, in my opinion.
I’m not sure if the survey was done by the Easter Bunny as market research. I’m sure he has a team that tries to make sure he doesn’t disappoint the boys and girls on Easter morn by giving the wrong candy. Even if it wasn’t, I’m sure he takes such surveys into consideration before hopping down the ole bunny trail, which as we know is just one exit before the Yellow Brick Road.
It was no surprise to me that the Reece’s Peanut Butter Egg was the top choice. It is, after all, the perfect combination. Peanut butter and chocolate are such a perfect duo it deserves its own holiday. However, I am suspect about the candy that came in last, or as the writer of the article I read regarding the survey’s findings put it, “the most hated Easter candy.” Really!? Just because it came in last on a list of preferred confections doesn’t mean it is hated. Were that the case, it wouldn’t have gotten a single vote and therefore, not made the list.
Unlike that writer, I must be transparent in declaring my bias. You see, the candy last on the list was Peeps. Not only cute, but tasty when properly prepared. I’ll get to that in just a bit.
Just Born, the company that makes the marshmallow marvel that has become an Easter icon, churns out two billion Peeps a year. Seventy-five percent of them are produced at Easter. I don’t think they’re making them for the fun of it or to toss them in the trash, so someone is eating them.
As a Peepologist (yes, there is such a thing because I just made it up, therefore it exists), I have studied the many nuances of this mixture of corn syrup, gelatin and sugar.
It is interesting to note that when Peeps were first produced, the process took 27 hours. That’s because each one was lovingly crafted by hand. That time was cut to just six minutes with the help of automation which was introduced in the 50s. Perhaps someone will revive the “by hand” method. I hope so. I’d love to try some artisan Peeps. In this world of organic this and free range that, I’d bet they’d sell.
I think the reason Peeps scored so low is due to the fact that many people don’t understand how to properly prepare their Peeps. Sure, you can eat them raw right out of the package. (You can also do this with hotdogs. They don’t have to be cooked. They really are great straight out of the fridge…but I digress) They are quite good raw, but not every pallet is able to appreciate them in their purest form.
I know this from the research I did while a music jock. My morning show co-host, Erin, and I decided to explorer the theory that Peeps are better slightly stale. She and I each had a five pack of the bright yellow duck-shaped delights.
Day One, we each ate a raw Peep. Good, but a bit gooey. We wondered if there was something better. So, we left the packages open, exposed to the elements. Each day we ate another Peep. It was tough work, but anything for science, right?
It was concluded that three-days stale, or “aged” as we Peepologists like to call it, was optimal. The outside becomes a bit firmer, almost crunchy. This makes a nice contrast to the gooey goodness that is the soft inside. Texture is just as important a nuance as taste when it comes to Peeps.
Our research didn’t end there. We also experimented with hot Peeps. After cleaning out the microwave oven a few times, we determined that nine seconds on high is about right. More than that can cause Peepus Distructus, which is Latin for a Peep explosion.
To further our understanding of this seasonal sensation, we interviewed a representative of Just Born. While the rep did confirm that others had similar research, they would only endorse eating them fresh from the package. Product lawsuits being what they are, I can respect that position.
The chick was the first Peep. Now they have bunnies at Easter too. But that’s just the tip of the marshmallow madness. They make various other shapes and colors for other holidays including Halloween and Christmas. They’ve also added a variety of colors and flavors. Fruit Punch, Pumpkin Spice, Watermelon and Red Velvet are just a few.
Just Born didn’t stop there. They also have retail outlets that feature plenty of Peeps along with Peeps gear. Who wouldn’t want a Peeps handbag?
Peepologists have expanded their research as well. All types of Peeps recipes permeate the internet. Just check Pintrest. Just Born has gotten into that act as well. Check their site for recipes for Peeps Cookie Nests along with Pancakes and Syrup Oatmeal Scones made with Peeps. All of which can be washed down with a Peeps Easter Milkshake.
As for me, I’m a simple man. I take my Peeps straight. Although occasionally I take time to let them go three days stale.
Some people age beef. Some Peeple age Peeps.
