My research says peeps were first introduced in 1953. I don't remember them until they were in my Easter basket about ten years later. I seem to remember the original (well, in the early '60s) shape of the chick peeps being different from the ones produced today. As a kid, I don't remember ever seeing them in the box. They were naked, so to speak, in my basket. Not my favorite Easter candy, but a lot better than spice-flavored jelly beans or soft fake chocolate coated malted milk eggs. (Had to be the malted milk eggs with the inner layer of milk chocolate and an outer crisp candy layer.) I desperately miss the 1960s era whipped cream eggs from Quality Candy in Milwaukee. I still pick up an occasional package of peeps after the holiday at 50% off. I poke holes in the cellophane and put them on the shelf for a couple weeks. They're best when they age to the right chewiness. Linn
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