On Easter morning in 1987, I jumped out of bed and raced towards my Easter basket. Even though I had long outgrown my belief in the Easter Bunny, my parents continued to nurture that magical spirit. As I dug through the vibrant eggs and sweets in my basket, my heart raced when I unearthed a cassette tape of the Beastie Boys’ latest album, “Licensed to Ill.” I spent the morning reveling in my newfound soundtrack while indulging in jelly beans and peanut butter cups as if I were training for the candy Olympics. It truly was the best Easter basket I had ever received. (Although, I must admit, the wine basket my husband surprised me with after I gave up wine for Lent was also memorable.)
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, Easter baskets were quite simple. A bit of faux grass, some hard jelly beans, and maybe a chocolate bunny were all we needed to feel elated. Little did we know that Easter would evolve into a candy extravaganza, and our taste buds would become increasingly sophisticated. While we all occasionally go overboard filling our baskets, it’s clear that some Easter candies have stood the test of time, while others we’d gladly send back to the Easter Bunny.
1. Peanut Butter Eggs
Then: Peanut butter eggs from brands like Asher’s were generic and left much to be desired.
Now: Thank goodness for Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, which are a delightful staple.
2. Mini Sugar Egg Panoramas
Then: These overly sweet eggs, often featuring a tiny chick, were more decorative than delicious.
Now: Surprisingly, they still show up in baskets, but their appeal is perplexing.
3. Cadbury Creme Eggs
Then: The iconic Cadbury commercials made these eggs famous, dividing people into two camps: lovers and haters.
Now: Despite their polarizing nature, stressed-out parents still stock up on them, even if they are not the most appetizing.
4. Pez Dispensers
Then: These fun dispensers were a candy lover’s dream.
Now: They remain a beloved basket item, dispensing treats with a quirky twist.
5. Black Jelly Beans
Then: They were universally disliked.
Now: They still hold the same reputation and are often left untouched.
6. Chocolate Easter Bunnies
Then: Finding a chocolate bunny in your basket was a highlight.
Now: It’s bittersweet to see your child take a bite out of its ears.
7. Malted Easter Eggs
Then: The crunchy, colorful treats were a favorite.
Now: They’re consumed discreetly while parents hide from their demanding kids.
8. Peeps Marshmallow Chicks
Then: Peeps were a novel treat.
Now: You either love them or can’t stand the sight of them.
9. Easter-Themed Candy Corn
Then: This didn’t exist.
Now: It’s a puzzling addition that many can do without.
10. Jelly Beans
Then: Brach’s jelly beans were the only option, lacking flavor.
Now: There’s a jelly bean for every taste imaginable!
11. Foil-Wrapped Chocolate Eggs
Then: The thrill of finding these hidden eggs was unmatched.
Now: They still appear, but you might find them lingering long after Easter has passed.
Reflecting on Easter 1987, I chuckle at the thought of my mom surprising me with that cassette. But now, I realize that being the Easter Bunny means claiming all the candy before the kids get their hands on it. So, if you’ll excuse me, I need to raid my stash of peanut butter cups and jelly beans. Plus, I should probably download some Beastie Boys music.
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In summary, Easter candy has evolved dramatically over the years, with some classics enduring and others fading into obscurity. Nostalgia plays a key role in our enjoyment of these treats, and as we navigate the candy landscape, it’s essential to embrace both the memories and the moments we create with our families.