S4 Ep 8: The History Of Reese's With Guest Aricia Skidmore-Williams
In this episode, we’re indulging in a delightful conversation about a universally adored treat with none other than Aricia Skidmore-Williams. Known for her comedic flair, Aricia brings her infectious love for Reese's to our chat. Here, we go through the history and pop-cultural references of Reese’s.
Aricia’s Adoration for Reese’s
Aricia’s love for Reese's started with a classic childhood story. Raised in a household where candy was scarce, her early orchestra days were marked by sneaking off to a friend's house to buy Reese's from band sales. These peanut butter cups soon became a fixture in her adoration, outliving childhood "candy funerals" her family held—a quirky ritual where they'd bid goodbye to candy a week post-Halloween unless the treat in question was a revered Reese's.
From Candy Sales to Cultural Phenomenon
The historical backdrop of Reese's is as rich as its taste. It all started in Hershey, Pennsylvania in 1923, when HB Reese, once a dairy farm worker, aimed to create his confectionery magic. His star product, Penny Cups, became the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups we savor today. The eventual merger with Hershey’s brought prosperity to the Reese's legacy, and Aricia reflects on this brilliant business decision while jokingly imagining her peacekeeper role with her siblings if they ever ran a business together.
The Hollywood Touch: Reese's Pieces in the Limelight
Reese's leap into the Hollywood scene is a sweet tale. Once struggling, Reese's Pieces found themselves at the heart of a major cinematic moment in Steven Spielberg's E.T. Forget the competition; Reese's Pieces were the stars, coaxing E.T. out of hiding and into our hearts. This association propelled Reese's to a new zenith of popularity, forever tying peanut butter delights to the cultural phenomenon of the '80s.
Classic Treats and Creative Editions: Reese’s Product Palette
Reese's enthusiasts enjoy a wide variety of twists beyond the classic cup—from Big Cups to seasonal trees and pumpkins. However, Aricia sticks to the classic and Big Cups, noting her appreciation for the pure chocolate and peanut butter combination. Though she shies away from adventurous versions like Reese's Pieces, her dedication to the mainstays remains unfaltering, a true testament to a fan’s loyalty.
The Art of Creating Reese’s
Producing millions of peanut butter cups daily is no small feat! The meticulous process involves roasting over a million pounds of peanuts weekly, creating fresh peanut butter on-site, balancing it with Hershey chocolate, and finally wrapping each cup as a perfect tuxedoed treat. Despite their well-oiled machine, Reese's keeps a human touch as final checkers for quality assurance—ensuring each sweet delight meets the standard expected by consumers like Aricia, even reinforcing this with occasional feedback (and coupons) to the Reese's team.
A Sweet Legacy and Lasting Love
In pop culture and beyond, Reese's has carved out a unique place. From NASCAR partnerships to international expansions, Reese’s treats have become a lifestyle staple for many. Aricia’s personal connection goes beyond taste; it’s a celebration and expression intertwined with her own identity—a delightful fusion of flavors representing her blended heritage.
Celebrating the Reese’s Journey
From early days hustling orchestra sales to now enjoying a pie-sized cup in her fridge, Aricia’s Reese's journey is sweetened with nostalgia and genuine passion. Sharing this candy's story and her experiences, she welcomes fellow fans to appreciate the fusion of chocolate and peanut butter that continues to bring joy to millions worldwide. Whether you’re a purist or a variant enthusiast, one thing’s clear: there’s no wrong way to eat a Reese's.
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