Whoopie Pies

A real New England treat--the easy way. Make sure to cool the cookies completely before filling and wrapping.

Preheat oven to 350.

Cookies:

1 cake mix (any chocolate or devil's food)

1 3 oz. package of instant chocolate pudding

Prepare cake mix according to directions on box, but using 3/4 cup of water instead of listed amount. Beat 1 minute. Add instant pudding and beat 1 more minute.

Using a small cookie scoop, place cookies on parchment-lined pan about 2" apart. Bake at 350 for 14 minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched. Let set on pan 1 minute, then remove to rack to cool.

Filling:

5 Tbs. flour

1 cup milk

1 cup white sugar

1 cup shortening

2 tsp. vanilla (try substituting 1/2 a cup or so of peanut butter--YUM!)

In a medium bowl, beat filling ingredients except shortening. Add shortening and beat until fluffy--about 5 minutes.

Spoon a dollop (I love that word) of filling onto a cooled cookie and top with another cookie a la the picture. (Just a web picture, but they look just the same.)

Whoopie pies should be wrapped in plastic wrap and refridgerated--if they make it that far!