Whoopee Pies

Not to be confused with either whoopee cushions nor cow pies.

They are Amish but also made by Mennonites (according to TT). The one I enjoyed consuming was hand-made from scratch (available anytime you itch) and chocolate. It looked like a giant Oreo but instead of cookies there were gently convexing mounds of chocolate cake on either side of a vanilla filling which was made with regular sugar so each bite "crunched." I was told that they were individually wrapped to keep them from sticking together and/or falling apart (cake is soft, you know). I was told that pumpkin whoopee pies were enjoyed around the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays. Perhaps moonpies are the southern version of the north's whoopee pie?

From further research I've learned:
1. The name is reputed to come from Amish kids who shouted "Whoopee" upon finding one in their lunch pail.
2. They are considered a part of Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
3. Most recipes have marshmallow cream in the filling.
4. Most recipes use confectioners sugar rather than the crunchy kind.
5. You can use a chocolate cake mix and/or chocolate pudding when making the cookie cakes.

This was an informative site:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/WhoopiePieHistory.htm

Here's a bunch of recipes:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,whoopi_pie,FF.html
Four flavors: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3563.asp

If Tina shares her daughter's recipe with me, I'll share it with you. I just know you'll pat your feet.