Marshmallow Peeps For Science

posted April 9, 2007
  by Christine Gable, Kiddie Chow

Have you had enough of malted milk eggs and chocolate bunnies yet? Perchance you’ve tossed out a handful of jellybeans just to get them cleaned up (Don’t worry, I won’t tell)? Any chance a few of those marshmallow peeps have ended up in the trash—you know, dried out and hard—or forgotten, amongst the piles of poly-green and purple grass destined for basement boxes?

If, during this week after the Easter-candy fervor, a few marshmallow peeps turn up that no one wants to eat, this column’s for you. I apologize if you and yours enjoy eating those soft, sugary peeps, but last year the kids and I discovered that marshmallow peeps make stellar science experiments.

Today’s column also touches upon one element that’s vital for cooking, yet one that we often discourage our kids from delving into—experimentation.

Things started out tame when we melted several unsuspecting specimens in the microwave, but things gradually took on an outright flamboyant air, with the kids marinating peeps in vinegar, freezing peeps and exploring peeps’ compression and durability via bicycle automobile tires (yes, there was even a peep placed precariously behind the front tire of Dad’s car—all set for when he backed out of the garage.)

It’s all here:
http://www.peepresearch.org/

Really, who needs the mess, the inconvenience, the hassle? But kids see experimentation as fun—and what I’ve found is that kids who are having fun are naturally more enthusiastic for all kitchen tasks. In other words: they’re more likely to help with the clean up. In our case, it took a good long time for the peep extravaganza to wind down, but I’ve noticed that the more open I am to fun, the more they offer to help do the dirty work afterwards. Make sense?

Just think, by contributing to the worthy cause of scientific research and knowledge, you’re also keeping food out of the waste stream while encouraging kids’ natural curiosity. And every little bit of food not trashed is a step in the right direction.

So go ahead—see what your kids think about melting some marshmallow peeps. It’s all in the name of science, ya know.

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Since you and your crew have probably had more than enough sugary treats in the past week, here’s a fresh and springy recipe that the kids can help make after they’re hungry from all the peepery. It’s a quick and easy lunch rollup that each can customize to his or her own taste.

Think ham and cheese, turkey, feta cheese or even all-veggie.>/i>


Mix 'n Match Spring Roll-up Recipe
http://www.cdkitchen.com/


Serves/Makes: 1
Ready in: < 30 minutes

* 1/2 teaspoon oil
* 1 flour tortilla
* 2 slices ham and cheese, turkey or 1/4-inch sliced feta cheese
* veggies: sliced lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli florets, diced cucumber
* 1 tablespoon salad dressing (Ranch or Italian works well)

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Swirl oil around pan and add tortilla, flipping after about 10 seconds. Remove when lightly browned on both sides and place tortilla on plate.

Add protein of choice to pan and heat for about 1 minute. Place protein in middle of tortilla and top with medley of veggies and salad dressing. Roll tightly, cut in half and enjoy.