Vanilla Whoopie Pies

by philocrates

Source: Mrs. Levi A Kanagy III, Bellville PA - From the Big Valley Amish Cookbook 1979

1 cup shortening (Crisco)
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
5 cups gold metal flour
2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks
1/2 cup hot water
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk [or sour milk]
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Cream shortening, sugar, salt, eggs and vanilla together.

Sift flour and baking powder, add soda with water and milk. Mix together [add chips at this point after mixing and mix a bit more] bake at 425 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes.

Filling (which I like better than the marshmallow version)
2 egg whites
2 pounds confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups Crisco
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or to taste