And for the traditionalists: Chocolate Whoopie Pies!

Yesterday's pumpkin whoopie pies seem to be a big seasonal hit, but I must say that there was a little protest from self-described "whoopie traditionalists." They can't be disloyal and are true to the original. In the spirit of equal confectionary opportunity, I offer you the Food Network's Whoopie Pie, originally featured on Bobby Flay's Food Nation: Coastal Maine episode. Flay credits Moody's Diner with the recipe. I say, have a Whoopie-off! Bake both and let your audience decide! Looks like winners all around! And sorry Jen, as far as I know, there's just no healthy substitute for this one (though you are in Maine and may know of one!)...

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups milk
• Filling, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, or preheat a convection oven to 315 degrees F.

In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, and eggs together until well combined. Add the oil and vanilla and beat again.

In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Add half of the dry mixture to the egg mixture and beat or stir to blend. Add 1 1/2 cups milk and beat again. Add the remaining dry mixture and beat until incorporated. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and beat until blended.

With a large spoon, scoop out 32 circles of batter onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool.

Spread filling onto 16 circles and place remaining circles on top, to make 16 Whoopie Pies.

Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups shortening
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/3 cups marshmallow topping
• Dash salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine all ingredients except the milk and beat well. Add just enough milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Spread filling across cooled cookie circles.

Photo credit: Food Network Web site: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/foodnation-with-bobby-flay/whoopie-pies-recipe/index.html