Whoopee! Whoopie Pies!

Have you heard? Cupcakes are sooooo 2010. This year it's all about the whoopie pie! It's been years since I tasted one, but when my sister Kim @ Sand and Sisal posted her Red Velvet Whoopie Pies I was inspired to pull out my Mom's old recipe. 

Whoopie Pies

Cake:

1/2 c shortening

1 c sugar

2 c flour

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1/2 c cocoa

1 egg

1 c milk

1 t vanilla

Filling:

1/2 c shortening

1/2 c butter

1 c powdered sugar

1/2 c marshmallow fluff

1 t vanilla

1. Cream shortening and sugar.

2. Add egg, milk, and vanilla.

3. Gradually add dry ingredients.

4. Spoon batter onto cookie sheet (flattening slightly).

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

6. While cakes are cooling, beat the filling ingredients together.

7. Sandwich cakes with filling. Add sprinkles if desired.

And of course, hand the beaters to your babies...

While you dig into the real thing!

Henry in Love by Peter Mccarty

This is one of those stories that parents will probably enjoy more than kids, but with understated text and adorable ink and watercolor illustrations, it will be a welcome break from Disney Princesses and Dora the Explorer. Henry is a little boy cat who goes to school hoping to woo the little bunny girl Chloe. When showing off doesn't work, Henry discovers that sacrificial giving is more successful. The story is short and sweet, and the illustrations are brilliant. I loved it and think you will too!