Whoopie Pies

I sharing one of Maine's best loved comfort foods with you today!  My kids just loved these when they were little calling for them often.  They are inexpensive to make and the recipe makes quite a bit.  These are little cakes of velvety chocolate with a bit of creamy filling in between.  You will see how they get their name Whoopie, once you bite into one of these tidbits!

2/3 cup shortening
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup of milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat sugar and shortening together until creamy.  Add eggs and beat 3 minutes.  Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, and beat an additional 2 minutes.  Add milk and vanilla and beat another 2 minutes.  Drop by large tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 375 degrees for about 10 - 12 minutes.

Meanwhile make the filling:
1/2 stick of butter
2 cups of powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 tab. heavy cream or milk

Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.  Add rest of ingredients and beat an additional 5 minutes to fluff.

After cookies have cooled, place cookie on dish and fill with a tablespoon or two of filling.  Top with additional cookie and press.  Wrap these individually with Saran Wrap.  Wow, homemade, prepackaged cookies!