Too Much of a Good Thing?
I resisted the urge to write about the IRS today. Instead, I wanted to distract you with something that would make your teeth literally fall out of your head at the mere mention of its name. Something so saccharine, so gooey, so bad for you that, up until now, it could only make its’ presence known once a year. I speak of PEEPS.
If you’ve been to a Dunkin’ Donuts lately, you know (because you’ve already bought and eaten one) that they are selling a flower-shaped donut with a marshmallow PEEP on top. It’s a combination that one critic warned “will change your chromosomes!”
Do we care?
PEEPS have been around since 1953 so I’ve practically been raised on them (along with meat, dairy, and white bread).
These adorable little chicks are made by a company called Just Born Quality Confections and were given birth in, of all places, Bethlehem (PA).
According to Stan Frankenthaler (Frankenstein?), Dunkin’ Brands’ Executive Chef and Vice President of Production Innovation, “PEEPS are synonymous with fun and happiness and we are excited to combine two American favorites…that will sweeten any spring or Easter celebration.”
These holiday themed beauties are available with strawberry icing and green drizzle, or, perhaps you’d prefer the green icing with strawberry drizzle.
If you were wondering why the bird PEEPS were chosen over the bunny PEEPS, it has to do with structural integrity (lest you think this was a hastily arranged marriage).
I don’t know the calorie count for this over-the-top combo but I can tell you that PEEPS on their own are practically diet snacks: 0 grams of fat and only 32 calories in each PEEP.
Dunkin’ Donuts has included a “restaurant locator” on their website so you can easily find these treats in your neighborhood. But since they’re only selling them “through the Easter season,” I suggest you get a move on.
But wait.
We all think of PEEPS as a once-a-year binge food. But come May, Dunkin’ Donuts has announced that they will start selling bite-sized PEEPS minis in three flavors: Strawberry Crème, Chocolate Crème and Sour Watermelon.
Could this be a case of too much of a good thing?
There’s more: the Yankee Candle Company has decided it’s not enough to just eat PEEPS. We need to smell them, too.
They are currently “celebrating the PEEP” by infusing a pale yellow candle with its sweet (sickening) marshmallow scent. You can inhale this toxic blend for $27.99 throughout April.
(I think I need a moment).
This might not be a good time to let you know that you can make your own homemade PEEPS that are not quite as sweet and chewy as the commercial versions.
After testing 75 dozen, The Los Angeles Times’ Test Kitchen Director finally created a recipe for freshly made PEEPS that were soft in texture, light and fluffy.
She described that as “almost delicate.”
All you need is sugar, water, gelatin, corn syrup and flavoring.
You just spread freshly made marshmallow on a baking sheet. Let it stand a bit to harden. Cut out your favorite holiday shapes and dip them in colored sugar for decoration.
Depending on your dietary preference, you can also go online and get recipes for PEEP sushi (PEEPshi), "PEEPza, or marshmallow PEEP Ambrosia Salad.
I just mailed my son at college his Easter “box” filled with candy.
Five yellow PEEPS took center stage. Right next to the battery-powered toothbrush and travel size toothpaste.
Some bad habits, unfortunately, are passed along from generation-to-generation.
Happy Easter!
Anita Alvare (bio)/Alvare Associates/610-520-6140
PEEPS, Dunkin’ Donuts, Yankee Candle, Product Innovation, Business
