For those who grew up in Pennsylvania, the Amish people's homey German/Dutch cooking is a true delicacy. No-bakes, Shoo-fly Pie and Whoopie Pies are just some of the delicious treats that delight palates in Amish country. As soon as the "Horse and Carriage crossing" sign is spotted, there is sure to be a farm that sells the freshest eggs and vegetables, along with archaic recipes never printed in a cook book.
But up until very recently, no one outside of the 100-mile radius of Amish country had heard of these delights. But then, in a recent shopping trip to Harrod's of London, a gorgeously decorated, couture cake was spotted situated beside the gastronomic piles of $5.00 cupcakes.
Oddly resembling the simple, home made Gobs/Whoopie Pies of childhood, the cake had to be sampled. Upon receiving the boxed and tissue-wrapped fancy, visitors to Harrods also receive a leaflet detailing the the comfy goodness contained therein.
And despite the 10 years and 3,000 miles separating many American's last taste of Whoopie Pie goodness, it is verified that, though costing an arm and a leg, Harrod's treat is the real deal.
So What is a Whoopie Pie?
Sometimes called Gobs, somewhere between a cake, a cookie and probably called a pie because of the filling, Whoopie Pies are described as "pure edible nostalgia" in the recent Williams-Sonoma catalogue. The soft cake on either side is usually chocolate, though Harrod's and shops in the US offer flavours such as pumpkin, peanut butter and vanilla. The cake is slightly dry, as the creme inside has more than enough sugar and stickiness.
Why the Ridiculous Name?
The urban legend floating around about Whoopie origins is, unfortunately, unverified. According to the tale, Amish housewives used their leftover ingredients from larger cakes or bread to make these delicious treats for husband and/or children. Upon finding them in their lunch pails, the lucky recipients would shout, "whoopie!". And a legend was born.
How to Make Whoopie Pies
Because it would be cruel to discuss the Whoopie's fine culinary attributes without allowing the reader a taste, the recipe has been lovingly reproduced below. Keep in mind that, though they are a homespun, modest treat, now that Harrod's and the like have picked them up, you'll be ahead of the foodie tide by providing them at Christmas and dinner parties. They make great additions to baked goods trays for school fairs, and are the perfect cold-weather Christmas treat. Spice them up with a dab of red icing on the top and some snowman fancies.
Whoopie Pie Recipe (Chocolate version)
Ingredients
- 2 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. shortening (1/2 cup of butter will do)
- 2 eggs
- 1 c. buttermilk
- 1/2 c. boiling water
- 1/2 c. cocoa
- 4 c. flour
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. vanilla
Process
- Cream sugar, shortening and vanilla.
- Add eggs to buttermilk, then add the boiling water and shortening.
- Sift the cocoa, flour, soda and baking powder together.
- Gradually add to the above mixture.
- Drop on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake 5 to 7 minutes at 400 degrees F/204 C/Gas Mark 6.
Filling:
- 1 1/2 c. milk
- 8 1/2 tsp. flour
- 2 c. confectioners sugar
- 1/2 c. butter
- 3/4 c. shortening
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Beat ingredients until creamy. Spread filling between two gob cakes once they are cooled.
Sarah Viollet - Sarah is an American from Los Angeles permanently settled in the UK. She really appreciates a good joke about her countrymen. In summer ...
