July 29, 2006
SWEET MYSTERY OF LIFE:
Circus peanuts: one of life's sweet mysteries (John Seewer, July 29, 2006, ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Steve Kerr pulled apart the freshly made circus peanut and pressed his thumbs into its spongy, orange center.
Not too moist or too rigid -- just right. "It's all about feel," he said.
He wasn't tempted to taste it, though.
"I'm not a big fan," conceded Mr. Kerr, vice president of operations for Spangler Candy Co., one of the few remaining makers of circus peanuts.
The marshmallow confection is as controversial as it gets when it comes to candy. What makes the circus peanut so intriguing and sparks debate among candy connoisseurs is that the treat is a mystery on many levels.
"People can't wrap their brains around why it's sweet and get really confused by the flavor," said Beth Kimmerle, author of "Candy: The Sweet History."
Though they are orange and look like peanuts, they taste like banana. And they are chewier than a traditional marshmallow. Even those who like circus peanuts can't agree whether they are better soft and fresh or stale and hard after sitting out for a week.
Posted by Orrin Judd at July 29, 2006 8:05 AM
Comments
I am a reasonably well-adjusted person; however, one of my nightmares involves large circus peanuts chasing me.
Posted by: pchuck at July 29, 2006 8:55 AMAs with Jujubes, they're best after sitting out for *several* weeks.
Posted by: Guy T. at July 29, 2006 9:21 AMLikewise Juicy Fruit, IMO civilization's ultimate triumph.
Posted by: erp at July 29, 2006 9:34 AMCircus peanuts are a by-product of research conducted by the Department of War during WWII. At least, that's what I like to think.
Twinkies were caused by the Korean war.
Posted by: Twn at July 29, 2006 11:34 AMOf course, I meant jujyfruit, a treat I save for the movies only.
Posted by: erp at July 29, 2006 11:49 AM