I always think of K-Mart when I see these. Don't get me wrong, I love the little buggers, but it's one of those things you pick up on a whim in the check-out line. I'm not sure anyone has ever gone to the store for the sole purpose of buying a bag of Circus Peanuts.
Did you know they are banana flavored?
I did not. I was shocked to learn that fact, because after many years of eating these things I never once thought Hey, these taste like bananas.
Any other Circus Peanut fans out there? I have an idea there aren't many. When I plugged it into Pinterest there were only two photos that popped up. And that tells you something right there.
Why am I writing about Circus Peanuts? It was my Mom's favorite candy and today is the 2nd anniversary of her death (if there is such thing as an anniversary for dying?). So, this year instead of an ode to my Mom, I thought I would commemorate the day with her favorite candy.
So, here's to banana flavored orange peanuts!
And if you are in the mood to be adventurous, try out this recipe that I found on the Spangler Candy site. As much as I like a good Circus Peanut, I don't think I can go down this sugary path.
Circus Peanut Jello Recipe
1 16oz can of mandarin oranges
2 cups boiling water
2 cups whipped topping
1 3/4 cups mandarin orange syrup mixed with water
30 circus peanuts
Boil water and dissolve the jello
Cut peanuts into smaller slices and add to the jello mixture, stir until dissolved
Drain the syrup from the mandarin oranges and add enough water to the syrup to make 1 3/4 cups liquid
Add to the jello and chill until partially set
Stir together the mandarin oranges and whipped topping, fold into jello mixture
Pour into a 13x9 pan and refrigerate until firm
Eat and enjoy
So odd to open your blog and see a photo of circus peanuts. Just a couple of days ago, when we were at the grocery store, the husband grabbed a bag of those. I made him put them back! I've just never liked them - I guess it's something about the consistency. I much prefer the little gumdrop orange slices. Both bring back memories of my childhood and time at my grandparents' home - they always had circus peanuts, orange slices and peppermint sticks in the candy dish. However, I see the circus peanuts through new eyes - they are almost elevated to art in your beautiful photos! How lovely they look with the tulips! And what a wonderful tribute to your Mother. Let's avoid the sugary path to Circus Peanut Jello together and smile at the terrific memories they invoke!
ReplyDeleteOh this is a sweet tribute to your mom, Pam! I am a circus peanut lover, too...not a lot of them, but the first few are heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Fun post!
ReplyDeleteI'm wiping away the tears, Pam. What a lovely tribute to your Mom. Thinking of you and sending you some "hugs". I don't think Josie has experienced Circus peanuts. Perhaps, I need to stop at the grocery store on the way home from work tonight.
ReplyDeleteIt's coming up on two years since my Daddy's death. I know how you feel. Little things remind you of your loved one. Little things like your circus peanuts. Sweet post.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
What a nice way to remember your mom. I'm not a big fan of the circus peanut but I do think of my deceased mom every time I see a cream horn. Fellow foodies way to cope with loss?! I hope your day is filled with more sweet thoughts and lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful Tribute post to your mom. I think it's a great way to "Celebrate" the life of someone you loved.
ReplyDeleteThe photo's of the Circus Peanuts with the Tulips look wonderful. - I like them to a point, but if you eat to many at once...Ugh!
Have a good day and cherish those special memories.
Great post! The last time I had circus peanuts was for my little guy's 1st birthday party (curious george themed) AND we had this jello ~ an older neighbor lady gave it to me when she heard I was having circus peanuts. Like your mom, I think of Nan everytime I see a circus peanut!
ReplyDeleteLOL- NOT a fan! But my Father LOVED them! LOVED.THEM. And I have one daughter that loves them, too. Guess it must have skipped a generation!;>) Well, at least if we ever get together for a coffee and chat I will know what to serve you to make you smile! xo Diana
ReplyDeletePam, I LOVE circus peanuts ! I didn't really think, when I saw the title, that you meant the squishy little orange ones. Yep, we Circus Peanut lovers are out here. I guess it's just not something we write about in our profile. :-) I'm very sorry that you lost your mom. I know that loss. This June will be the 7th anniversary for me. But my mom's favorite was orange slices. Whenever I see those in the checkout line, I think of her. So, let's eat our silly candy and think of our moms with sticky smiles on our faces !
ReplyDeletepatty
Yes, I confess... I love circus peanuts! They remind me of visiting KMart also when I was little. The other sweet treat that reminds me of KMart are the toasted coconut marshmallows. I think I"m going to have to go buy some circus peanuts now....
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your mom. When I see Circus Peanuts I think of my father. He LOVED them. He always bought a bag when he got his paycheck or my mom bought groceries. When they were fresh they were yummy, but after a week or two got so hard you could barely chew them. Haven't thought about them in quite some time and haven't had one in over 30 years. Thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteI hate the circus peanuts, but I know what you mean about the memories they evoke. The third anniversary of my mom's death was just a couple of weeks ago, and for me, it's the scent of Chanel No. 5 perfume. Even now, when I catch a whiff of it in a department store, I find myself looking around for Mom. Isn't it funny how these little things remind us of those we love?
ReplyDeleteI have not had one in a coons age but like them, your mama would be proud.
ReplyDeleteI've eaten a few:@) Pretty pics Pam, wishing you a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteEWWW!!! Those things are so gross! I remember in Kindergarten, over 35 years ago, little Chucky used to eat them. I still shiver to this day thinking about them!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be able to remember your mother with a smile, and how can circus peanuts NOT make you smile?!
ReplyDeleteI would never have guessed they were banana flavored.
What a great memory of your Mom.
ReplyDeleteBlessing for her.
melinda
I used to like those......maybe just one or two. Didn't know they were banana flavored.
ReplyDeleteSweet to remember your Mama with a fun memory.
I have had that salad. Wonder who came up with that idea.
All is well here at 1:00 a.m. Sleepy Time Tea is not working. At least it is the week-end.
((((((HUGS))))0
Can you believe I never ate one? LOL After reading your post, I am going to have to try them! I think I have been missing out.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog. I am your new follower.
Pam, I understand how you are feeling this day. Funny how we see an item that makes us think of them. Jan 31 my Dad will be gone 34 years..the day still brings back a flood of memories
ReplyDeleteLOVE "EM!! Don't buy them cause I'd eat the entire bag. It's strange though to know they are banana flavored...I hate bananas!!! That's me, never make any sense. These were my Grannies favorite and yes, we bought many at K-Mart!
ReplyDeleteYour mama loves this, I am sure! It's those little things that we remember, I'm thinking because they are the most personal. Bittersweet time now, isn't it? You cry a bit, smile and remember your mama. Best, Vicki
I haven't seen those in ages!
ReplyDeletePam, what a sweet memory of your mom. I do love to eat these, but some reason I don't buy them often. Which may be a good thing! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Circus peanuts are always a delight! Bright, cheerful, child-like, soft, etc...cheap candy is always the BEST TASTING candy! andrea@townandprairie
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice memory, Pam. Isn't funny how little things like that remind us of someone? When I think of my grandpa, I always think of peanut M & M's and, well, cigarettes :)
ReplyDeleteGuess what? My mother loved these as well!! I'm sure it was hard for you, it being your Mom's second anniversary... But you gave her a nice memorial with this candy post. I'm sure she's smiling in heaven. And yes, I DID know they taste like bananas, and I DO remember when I tasted them years ago and I was like, "Why don't they taste like peanuts, and if they taste like bananas, why are they not yellow?" So I think the inventor of this candy was just a crazy person.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Gloria
Beautiful photos Pam! Come to think of it, you are right they are banana flavor. I never put two and two together. I don't eat them enough I guess.
ReplyDelete