Guest Blog by Lia Fairchild

Not Another Peep…

Year after year a staple at Easter time, Marshmallow Peeps sit humbly nestled in the grass of your child's Easter basket. But what do we really know about these squishy, sugary treats? For starters, did you know that peeps have been around for almost 60 years? In 1953 peeps were introduced to the Just Born Candy Company. Sam Born started the company in 1910 after he emigrated from Russia to the US. When he first started making peeps, it took 27 hours just to make one peep. Now it takes just six minutes.

And, can you believe that Peeps chicks have 0 grams of fat? Yay for mommies! Peeps come in all shapes and sizes including chicks, bunnies, snowmen, pumpkins, trees and other holiday themed designs. In 1999 they launched their website and the first flavored peeps: vanilla.

In case you missed it, last year Just Born came out with chocolate covered peeps. Now we're talkin! For more fun facts and some great party recipes like the one below visit their website at http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/

SWEET PEEPS® MACAROONS

Ingredients

12 PEEPS® Milk or Dark Chocolate Dipped Chicks

3 cups sweetened flaked coconut

¾ cup sugar

3 large egg whites

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. almond extract

Kitchen Tools Needed:

2 cookie sheets

Measuring cup

Measuring spoons

Parchment paper

Large bowl

Stirring spoon

Spatula

Wire rack

Directions

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, stir coconut, sugar, egg whites, salt, vanilla and almond extract until well combined.

Refrigerate one half hour.

Drop batter by rounded tablespoons (approx 1 inch apart) so they are about 2 inches in diameter.

Bake at 325° F for 25 minutes or until slightly golden.

Cool 1 – 3 minutes on cookie trays. Remove with a spatula and transfer to wire rack.

Top each with a PEEPS® Milk or Dark Chocolate Dipped Chick and let cool completely.

 

Makes:

12 Sweet PEEPS® Macaroons

Warning:

Pans removed from oven will be extremely hot. Please use heat resistant oven mitts. Parental supervision is advised.

AUTHOR BIO

Lia Fairchild is a native Californian who loves reading, writing, movies, and anything else related to the arts. Writing is something she's thought about all her life, so the completion of her first novel, In Search of Lucy, is truly satisfying. Lia holds a B.A. degree in Journalism and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Her most enjoyable moments are spent with her family, traveling, spending time outdoors, or simply laughing and being together. Look for updates on her next book at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow her on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/#!/liafairchild

Have a Happy Easter everyone and a blessed weekend!

xxTraci

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