Makin' Whoopie

Zac, a cheftestant on Bravo TV's Top Chef: Just Desserts, created a gourmet-level, deep fried Whoopie Pie recently.  And I thought, what the heck is a Whoopie Pie?  Not exactly a central Illinois delicacy.

Now I know all about the tasty treat, thanks to Sarah Billingsley's & Amy Treadwell's extensive recipe guide, Whoopie Pies: Dozens of Mix 'em Match 'em, Eat 'em Up Recipes.

What is a whoopie pie?  Basically, it's a snack comprised of two cake-like cookies, with a yummy filling in between.

The variations are endless! The book contains decorating ideas, tools you'll need, how to store your little mouthfuls, and a variety of ideas for cakes and creamy fillings that can be mixed and matched.

Whoopies pies don't have to be sweet, either! You could create savory Jalapeño cornbread cakes and smudge them together with bacon-chive goat cheese--or not.  It all depends on your tastebuds.

To wet your appetite, the authors are starring in their own book trailer, demonstrating some of their cooking and decorating techniques. So check'em out--or check the book Whoopie Pies out from us at The Urbana Free Library and have a delicious time.