By Ethan Gibble

Working for The WEBstaurantStore.com here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I feel as though it is my right--no, my duty--to mention a recent issue that is near and dear the hearts of all Pennsylvanians.

The state of Maine is attempting to take credit for our creation...The Whoopie Pie. As the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau states, this is nothing short of an "act of confectionary larceny." A legislator in Maine introduced a bill that would make whoopie pies the state's official dessert, but Pennsylvania has fired back with Save Our Whoopie, a rally page with an inspirational video and a petition to keep Lancaster, PA the official home of the whoopie pie. Feel free to sign it if you feel so inclined.

But how much does the whoopie pie's origin really matter? That's for others to decide. But what does matter is that, if done right, this snack is enchantingly delicious. Is your bakery taking advantage of that fact? In the spirit of this faux interstate rivalry, I present you with a whoopie pie recipe to top all others!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter

• 1 egg
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda


• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1. Mix together the butter and egg, and then add the sugar, vanilla, and water. Mix in flour, cocoa, and baking soda.

2. Place teaspoon of batter on cookie sheet and bake for 11-13 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. To make the filling, blend together the butter and peanut butter. Stir in confectioners sugar and add milk until the filling can be easily spread.

4. Spread the filling between the flat sides of the cookies, and you have yourself one delicious whoopie pie!