Peeps are marshmallow candies that are shaped into chicks, bunnies, and other animals. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Bloom powdered gelatin in mixing bowl with water. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Meanwhile, bring sugar, corn syrup and water to 245 degrees. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
With the mixer running, slowly pour the hot sugar mixture into the bowl with the gelatin. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Beat until the marshmallow is light and fluffy and doubled in volume, then beat in the flavoring. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Continue to mix until the marshmallow loses its sheen, becomes a bit more dense and is not so stringy. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Spoon the marshmallow into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Pipe chick shapes over colored sugars, one marshmallow for the body, and a separate marshmallow for the head. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Spoon colored sugar over the freshly piped chicks to coat. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Gently roll the peep over the colored sugar until evenly coated. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Dot “eyes” on each chick using melted chocolate or food coloring. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Finished “peep” ready to be eaten! (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)