Momma Told Me: I bet I can get you to love it!
PEEPS, you love 'em, or you hate 'em.
I won't try to sway your opinion either way. I know the line is drawn pretty thick. If you love them, you likely stockpile during the after Easter clearance sales, only to forget you had them until sometimes in Fall, when you relive the season all over again. If you don't care for them, you probably still buy them to stuff in the kid's Christmas Stockings, adorn Halloween gingerbread houses, or generally feel festive. After all, there's no denying these little marshmallow fluffs are their own icon, a symbol of holiday traditions and warm memories. But, based on which side of the fence you fall, you may or may not know that Peeps are much more than sugar coated chicks and bunnies. Not only do Peeps come in a rainbow of hues and shapes, but unique flavors as well. One of my personal favorites? Raspberry Chocolate Dipped Peeps hearts around Valentine's Day.
Now, I honestly don't know why, but there's something whimsical about this particular confection. As a sweet lover, I hold many special memories and attachments to a variety of sugar filled confections. Few touch me as much as the giddy kick of joy I get from finding these mallows on my local store shelves. It often means a holiday is on it's way! But, as I said, Peeps are so much more than a seasonal snack. For the Summer the brand released a limited edition Bubblegum and charity minded Sweet Lemonade variety I'd previously featured. Last January gorgeous white Peeps graced shelves covered in a rainbow of bright colored sugar flecks. More recently the special edition Party Cake flavored marshmallows were released. With a bright teal hue, and rainbow sugar flecks, these are very similar, but have a light and creamy batter taste. The aromatic reminds me of a fresh baked white cake.
Now, if you are not particularly a fan of these colorful chicks, it is likely because you 1.) really don't care for the texture of marshmallows as a food group, or 2.) don't like the texture/combination of the mallow and classic colored sugar coat. (In the latter case, you may enjoy the seasonal bunnies, which I've seen with a smooth mallow finish instead.) No matter your reasons, Momma taught me that ingredients we might not care for individually can come together with a surprising result in a recipe. So, I've done a few sneaky chef tactics lately involving Peeps- one of which was a very simple Peeps Marshmallow Squares creation made with rainbow colored cereal balls, melted Peeps, and butter. Your children are sure to have a strong reaction to the sight of slowly melting bunnies, or chicks, in a double boiler- it's definitely worth a try at least once, for that alone.
Another thing you may not be aware of is the introduction of the Peeps and Company brand through a base brick and mortar store, and online gift shop. The 'Company' refers to the wide range of popular candy brands under Just Born, the Peeps parent company. Online at Peeps and Company you'll find an array of gifts for fans young and old, including Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, and Peanut Chew. While you're there, also be sure to check out the seasonal and specialty Peeps like the Halloween Chocolate Mousse Spooky Cats! We received some popular tween merchandise for Sabrina (10), including a Jumbo Peeps eraser, Peeps (Pop Art Style) Microbead Pillow, branded Socks Gift Set and Scented Nail Polish Trio. It won't take a genius to guess which the young girl quickly became excited over- the nail polish. However, the micro bead pillow proved generously sized and great for lounging in front of the TV or snuggling with during video games.
The Peeps One Hot Chick Scented Nail Polish gift set sells for a mere $5.90 on the Peeps and Company Site right now and, in my humble opinion, would make the perfect stocking stuffer during the upcoming holidays. I was skeptical of how much it would smell like the various fruits (Watermelon, Strawberry, Cotton Candy), rather than nail polish, but we were pleasantly surprised. This lacquer applied with one coat, great for young kids, and had a nice fruity smell even after drying. And, of course, the bright neon colors are perfect for young girls, and young girls at heart.
Whether I've inspired you to splurge in the Peeps and Co shop, or simply give Peeps a chance as an ingredient (rather than decoration), I'm sure you can see Peeps are much more than an iconic marshmallow!
What Daughter Says: Experience Peeps in a whole new light with creative recipes substituting them for regular mallows.
One Momma Told Me reader will win a Peeps and Company prize bundle consisting of Peeps One Hot Chick Scented Nail Polish Trio, Microbead Pillow, Youth Sleep Pants, Giant Eraser, Print Socks, and Peeps! Keep reading after the jump for Peeps Mallow Squares recipe.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Peeps Marshmallow Squares
***Click for printable marshmallow squares recipe.
Ingredients:
* 10 Cups Trix, or other round grain, Cereal
* 4 TBS Butter
* 3C Peeps of Choice
Directions:
1.) Place the butter and half marshmallows in a double boiler, or heat safe bowl atop a pot with 2" of boiling water. As Peeps begin to melt to entirety, add remaining Peeps, stirring constantly until consistency is even (free of lumps).
2.) Mix in cereal and stir with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a heat safe bowl to complete combining. Greasing your hands and hand mixing may enable better mallow distribution. Keep in mind mix will be hot- do not do this over the stove.
3.) Press into a pre-greased 9" x 13" or 11" x 11" pan. Top with Peeps mallows if desired. Allow to cool fully, or chill 15-20 minutes in fridge. Cut into even squares and serve. Wrap in foil and refrigerate extra squares individually for best preservation.
I LOVE peeps. (Shhhh, I think they are best when they are stale.)
ReplyDeleteMmmm, crunchy peeps!)I had a cat who loved peeps too. Or any marshmallow. I couldn't open a package before he was at my feet meowing for some.
I would love a peeps polo - too cute
ReplyDeleteI would love one of the giant plush peeps! That would be pretty sweet
ReplyDeleteMy niece went to the Peeps store in DC and brought back bracelets & Peeps pops for my kids. They loved them!
ReplyDeleteThose Halloween Pumpkin Peeps are really cute! I've never heard of those Peanut Chews before! I'd like to try those out too!
ReplyDeletePEEPS® ART JERSEY PANTS!!
ReplyDeleteI love the giant peeps stuffed animals. So cute!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have the chillin with my peeps hoodie. how cool is that? I love it.
ReplyDeleteThe One Tough Chick shirt in honor of breast cancer awareness month.
ReplyDeleteI would love http://www.peepsandcompany.com/peeps/peeps-ladies-one-tough-chick-sweat-pants/ and the breast cancer shirt to go with it.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to have
ReplyDeleteTHE PEEPS SHOW 2014 WALL CALENDAR.
I didn't know Peeps made gear. I would love to own the CHICK CAMI SET
ReplyDeleteyum I didn't even know they had chocolate moussee flavored spooky cats. I want to try those!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really digging the Peeps hoodie and iPad sleeve! I also love the Peeps Hiippie coffee mug.
ReplyDeleteWould like to have the PEEPS LADIES PEACE SIGN BURNOUT JUNIOR FIT HOODIE.
ReplyDeleteI like the Peeps Hoodie and their ladies yoga pants with the chick on
ReplyDeleteI like PEEPS® 4 PACK SCENTED CANDLE SAMPLER
ReplyDeletePEEPS® ONE HOT CHICK 3 PC SCENTED NAIL POLISH is what my daughter wants.
ReplyDeleteI love the PEEPS® ONE TOUGH CHICK LADIES HOODIE. I think its really cute. I've tried the bubblegum-flavored Peeps (actually got a pack in my closet right now), and I fell in love. I also agree with a previous poster - I like opening up a pack and letting the air harden it a bit before eating sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI like the Peeps BFF Pail. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have those party cake peeps, they look so good!
ReplyDeleteI like PEEPS® MENS TEE CHILLIN WITH MY PEEPS .
ReplyDeletePeeps remind me of childhood Easter with my Greatgrandma. Now, with 6 Grandkids of our own, we have a 9-foot Peeps tree in our living room in memory of her Easter traditions. We all love Dark Chocolate Peepsters, and my favorite is Dark Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Hearts.
ReplyDeleteI love the adult chick character t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteapril yedinak
I would like to have those peeps socks, so unique
ReplyDeleteI really like these pants - PEEPS® ONE TOUGH CHICK LADIES PANTS in 2x would be wonderful at my house, then I could get a book of yellow chicks and go to town..lol
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have the Peeps One Tough Chick Ladies Pants.
ReplyDeleteI love everything and I would love to have 8 CT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FLAVORED PEEPS SPOOKY CATS
ReplyDeletetwinkle at optonline dot net
i like the giant peeps stuffed animals.
ReplyDeletefreebiel0ve@yahoo.com
I like the Peeps on Earth Tee.
ReplyDeleteAm I allowed to say everything? Actually if I had to choose, it would be the traditional yellow chicks. and lots of them.
ReplyDeleteWe love Peeps! And they're headquartered right here in the Lehigh Valley of PA! I'd love to have their THE PEEPS SHOW 2014 WALL CALENDAR!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have the Peeps One Tough Chick Ladies Tee.
ReplyDeleteI love the Peep Show calendar!
ReplyDeleteI would love the chillin with my peeps hoodie!
ReplyDeleteI need that One Tough Chick mug! ;) Thanks! savingforcs at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the 3 CT DARK CHOCOLATE DIPPED CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FLAVORED PEEPS® CHICKS/ BOX
ReplyDeleteI would love to have the PEEPS® ART JERSEY PANTS! Too cute!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to have the PEEPS® PARTY TIME PAIL.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Tucker
I love the Chillin With My Poops infant creeper. So cute.
ReplyDelete