America’s favorite marshmallow creatures have become a cult phenomenon in recent years, spurring everything from Peeps photo contests to Peeps “jousting matches” (place two Peeps with toothpicks in a microwave and see who “wins”) to wild recipes and craft ideas. In 2008, Peeps went paperback in a not-so-tongue-in-cheek book, Peeps! Recipes and Crafts to Make with Your Favorite Marshmallow Treat by Charity Ferreira (Chronicle Books, $13, www.amazon.com), showcasing their flexibility as not only a prime cooking ingredient but as a celebratory prop.

Written by Kristy Ojala, RealSimple.com; photo and recipe courtesy of Peeps! (Chronicle Books)