Foodies are raving about Whoopie Pies in the city. History shows that this tasty dessert originated on the east coast like the clam chowder, but has become a hit on the west coast.

So, we gave it a try to celebrate our 31 days in the city!

Easy Classic Whoopie Pie filling:

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup powdered sugar

7 oz. jar marshmallow fluff

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar at med-high speed until thoroughly combined. Add marshmallow fluff, salt, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed until combined.

Lark Creek Steak's Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons red food coloring (or as much as the little bottle that comes in the four pack!)

1 large egg

1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil

1 cup granulated sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vanilla, and food coloring; set aside. Combine the egg, oil, and sugar in the mixing bowl. Beat at high speed until light in color for about 1 minute. On low speed, add 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat, ending with the last third of the flour. When thoroughly mixed, scrape the sides of bowl to ensure everything is evenly distributed. If made ahead, refrigerate; bring to room temperature before baking.

When ready to bake, use a 1 oz. scoop to portion 2 tablespoons batter onto the baking sheet. Bake, rotating the sheet halfway through, until cake springs back when lightly touched, about 10 minutes. Remove the cakes to a wire rack; cool completely.

Once cooled, pipe or spread the filling onto the bottom side of half the cakes. Top with the remaining cakes to make the sandwiches.

Makes about 15 pies.

[cited from SF Chronicle on Sunday, June 27.2010]

Someone asked me the other day what my plan was now that the 31 days are over. I never expected it to be all that is has been! Our 31 days of adventure has forced us to get out and about, make mistakes, meet people, discover favorite spots, and stay active.

I believe that our 31 days has also inspired others to make their own adventures and has kept our friends and family up to date with our lives.

Whoopie!

We will continue to live the adventure God has before us and I will blog about it on a weekly basis now. I'm glad you enjoy our stories. I sure do find pleasure in writing them!