We, the Peeple

I know that people use marshmallow Peeps -- chicks, bunnies and eggs in sunny spring colors -- to create three-dimensional scenes (click to see winners in the annual Post-Standard contest). And I know that Peeps are the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy. More than 700 million of them are sold at Easter time, according to the National Confectioners Association and Just Born Inc., the Bethlehem, Pa.-based maker of Peeps.

What I did not know until yesterday is that people take their Peeps a step further by dipping them in chocolate! I'm not a Peeps person, but I have to say they looked really cute on the plate, nestled among Martha's lemon cookies. Martha submerged the bottoms of some in dark chocolate and some in milk chocolate. Both were a hit, especially with the "kids" in the crowd. Got leftover Peeps hiding out in Easter baskets?

Here's a recipe for dipping them that I found online. Sprinkles and nuts are optional. Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallow Peeps 1 package marshmallow Peeps 4 ounces semisweet chocolate or milk chocolate 1 teaspoon shortening Sprinkles (optional) Chopped nuts (optional) Line a baking sheet with wax paper or aluminum foil. Melt the chocolate and the shortening in a double-boiler or in the microwave. Holding the Peep by the head, dip the bottom in the chocolate, covering a scant ¼ inch with chocolate. Shake it several times to remove excess chocolate before carefully placing it on the baking sheet. If desired, dip Peeps in sprinkles or chopped nuts when the chocolate is still wet. Refrigerate the Peeps until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.