In the August 2004 issue of Down East Magazine (of which I’m a subscriber), there is mention of a Maine treat known as “Whoopie Pies.” A photo of the “pie” was included, along with a list of bake shops in Maine that are claimed to be the best “whoopie makers.”

 

Curious, I went browsing and found a recipe for the pies at the ACK Marine web site:

Whoopie Pies

 

The Cookies

Mix, then cool completely:

½ C cocoa

½ C boiling water

 

Cream together:

1½ C brown sugar

½ C shortening

2 eggs

 

Add & beat well:

2¾ C flour

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

½ C sour milk (or milk with vinegar)

Vanilla

 

Add cool cocoa mixture and blend. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake in 375° oven for 10-12 minutes.

 

The Filling:

 

Cook until thick:

3 TBS flour

¾ C milk

Dash of salt

 

Cream together:

¾ C sugar

½ C butter or margarine

¼ C shortening

 

Add cooled and cooked mixture and ½ teaspoon of vanilla. Add 3 tablespoons of marshmallow; fluff and beat well. When the cookies are cooled, generously spread the filling over one cookie. Press together with another cookie; serve. Best when eaten fresh. Whoopie Pies can be individually wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.

The “pies” sound extremely rich. Since my plan is to move to Maine in the not-too-distant future, I hope to learn the “whoopie” technique before arriving there.