WAR OVER WHOOPIE PIE

Whether a dessert or a treat, the Whoopie Pie was the center of quite the food fight in Maine. Lawmakers nominated the pie (two cakes with frosting in the middle) to be the official state dessert, but changed that to the official treat because of health concerns around childhood obesity. Supporters hope the official designation will promote tourism and benefit the state's Whoopie Pie businesses.

Others wanted the blueberry pie to receive the title and marketing attention. Lawmakers may need to act fast before Pennsylvanians. who allege it was invented in their state in the 1960s, claim it as theirs first. Mainers counter that a place in Lewiston has been making Whoopie Pies since 1925.

Making Whoopie: fat kids love pie

DURING A HEATED February debate in the Maine legislature over what sweet treat deserved to be designated as the official state dessert, state Rep. Donald Pilon (D-Saco) correctly described one contender, the Whoopie Pie, as a "frosting delivery vehicle" that "lists lard as its primary ingredient." Pilon would rather see blueberry pie named the Pine Tree State's official dessert. The Kennebec Journal quoted him fretting over the result of "glorifying" Whoopie Pie "at a time when 31.3 percent of Maine's children are considered overweight or obese."

But in preferring blueberry pastry to chocolate minicakes, he falls prey to the classic blunder in evaluating the merits of various foods. Most people--even savvy state reps--are easily confused by the halo effect when it comes to food. The presence of lard and chocolate sets off alarm bells, endowing the whole dessert with a wicked glow. Whereas healthy, natural blueberries confer a positive halo, making diners forget about all the butter or even-gasp--lard in the crust.Meat in the middle of nowhere

Maine, thankfully, is looking to celebrate a dessert rather than ban it. But the same kind of irrational preferences--and invocation of the nation's chubby children--are sure to pop up again when the same legislators consider bans and taxes,

Author: Katherine Mangu-Ward

Farm markets worth a trip: can't-miss stalls and stands burstin with local color and summer flavors

Come one and all

Best grilled cheese on the planet* THE SCENE A mix of ranchers and college kids, families and hippies, sipping coffee from the local Butterfly Herbs cart and enjoying an old-fashioned sense of community.Hot STUFFSubtropical fruit burst* THE SCENE This open-air market is filled with families doing their weekly shopping from growers who come from all over the state to sell their stuff in the big city.3. GAVIOTA STRAWBERRIES from Harry's Berries at Santa Monica Farmers Market.farmersmarket. smgov.net2. KAFFIR LIME AVOCADO POPSICLES by Fat Face, great on a hot day at the Davis [California] Farmers Market. davisfarmersmarket.org* THE SCENE Sprawled across a Central Valley mall parking lot is a world without $5 peaches and customers driving Porsches. Instead, it's like a refreshing trip overseas, jostling with old ladies who arrived early with pink plastic bags, Asian vendors selling produce unrecognizable to many Western shoppers, and chefs who've road-tripped for inspiration.* THE SCENE James Ranch sets up shop at the farmers' markets in Durango and Telluride, but the family-run farm also has a cute, wood-shingled farmstand of its own. Drive 10 miles north from Durango to the 450 blissful, high-altitude acres of James Ranch in the Animas Valley, where herds of Jersey cows, grass-fed beef cattle, and happy egg-laying hens roam.* THE FIND The market is stocked with ranch-made products like artisanal cheese, whey-fed pork, petit prime rib, tritip, sirloin, you name it. Grassy lawn and picnic tables right outside. .Mon-Sat into fall; jamesranch.netJAMES RANCH MARKET, NEAR DURANGO, COHuckleberry heavenBELLINGHAM FARMERS MARKET, BE.LLINGHAM, WA* THE SCENE As if Hawaii weren't utopian enough, a stroll through the KCC market, at the base of the Diamond Head crater, makes you want to move to Oahu immediately. Arrive early, like 7:30 a.m. early, before the mobs.MISSOULA FARMERS' MARKET, MISSOULA, MT* THE FIND Lotus root, Chinese bitter melon, a zillion types of eggplants, and Southeast Asian herbs you'll have to sniff. for yourself to believe. Thu through Nov 17 and Sun year-round,. Sjcfarmersmarket.com* THE SCENE In the revamped Railyard District, this indoor-outdoor market has become a bona fide tourist attraction within walking distance of the evenmore-touristy historic main Plaza. Yet locals love it for its utter authenticity.* THE FIND Look for a simple white banner in back that says G.B.D. That stands for Golden, Brown, Delicious: Osteria Stellina organic bread oozing with Cowgirl Creamery cheese, a fried egg, and a fat, juicy tomato slice if you so choose. Grab a hay bale and enjoy. Sat through Nov 5; point reyesweekend.com* THE SCENE Besides the drop-dead gorgeous produce-farmed on 47 acres by the Chinos-you'll likely see celebrity chefs and food lovers who've been regulars for decades, like Alice Waters.SANTA FE FARMERS MARKET, SANTA FE* THE FIND Huckleberries in high summer-this is Montana, after all-farmed by Southeast Asian Hmong and sold in unsealed zip-lock bags so these wild, intense, just-sweet-enough beauties can breathe. Sat through Oct 22; missoulafctrrnersm.arket.com* THE SCENE Outside Toby's Feed Barn, it's all about straw hats, local gossip, and live bluegrass. This low-key, all-organic market has only a handful of booths, but in a teeny, never-too-touristy town, it's a prime example of how quality trumps quantity.In fact, neither dessert can be classified as health food. Both treats are, in their best forms, homemade, so their nutrition statistics vary wildly. But a slice of blueberry pie can clock in north of 450 calories, while some versions of Whoopie Pie can be closer to 250. Depending on your recipe, those numbers could easily be reversed, but that's exactly the point.HILLSDALE FARMERS' MARKET, PORTLAND* THE SCENE Born in 2002 and smaller-with fewer crowds and more parking-than the jam-packed Portland Saturday Market, Hillsdale is still a kid in market years. And just as happy-go-lucky, which is why we love it.Cultural adventureMove over, A&W* THE FIND Impossible to choose just one, with so many when-in Hawaii products: Kukui's Portuguese sausage; just-caught, grilled-to order Kona abalone; and swaths of subtropical fruit, including fresh, silky litchi, juicy pineapple guavas, and super-sweet sugar pineapples. Sat year-round; hfbf.orgNeighborhood hangout hangout* THE SCENE What began as a small, grassroots effort has blossomed into one of Washington's biggest, most beloved markets. Crafts are almost as popular here as the raspberries and blueberries, which arrive by the sweet, juicy carton from farms just 6o miles away in Skagit and Whatcom Counties.RELATED ARTICLE: 3 more farm-fresh tastes of summer1. RAINIER CHERRIES-cartons of which you can pull along in a red wagon, yours to borrow at Seattle's Columbia City Farmers Market. seattlefarmersmarkets.org* THE FIND Chiles, nearly 60 varieties from New Mexico---Big Jim, Chimayo--with occasional cooking demos. Satyear-round; santafefarmersmarketcom* THE FIND In addition to the larger orchards that sell at every market in town, Hillsdale features smaller producers like Ayers Creek Farm, whose growers come bearing extra-sweet cane berries. (Ayers's Chester blackberries are used to make local Hot Lips soda.) Pop just one blackberry for proof that all that Northwest rain is good for something. Sun through Nov 20, then 2 Sun/month through Apr is; hillsdalefarmersmarket.comTASTE THE WINDOW* THE FIND See those folks walking around with mason-jar mugs? Follow them to the BuckSnort Root Beer booth, where on tap is a Bellevue, Idaho-brewed tea (yup, root beer in its real, non-high-fructose-syrup form is actually a tea) that blends molasses, cane juice, wintergreen, and natural roots like licorice and a sassafras extract. Imagine, a soda that's actually good for you. Even better with a scoop of local vanilla ice cream. Sat through Dec 77; seeyouatthemarket.comSAN JOAQUIN CERTIFIED FARMERS' MARKET, STOCKTON, CACAPITAL CITY PUBLIC MARKET, BOISE* THE FIND The last Saturday of every month is Kids Vending Day, when the 25 tables are manned by the 18-and-under set. Even 5-year-olds set up booths hawking everything from tomatoes grown in their backyards to just-laid eggs to whoopie pies they made by (don't worry, squeaky-clean) hand. Sat through Dec 17; bellinghamfarmers.org Around the West* THE FIND Veggies unlike any you've ever seen or tasted. Red carrots, candy lime mint, tomatoes of every hue, and white corn that could change your life. Tue-Sun year-round; E-123 Caizada del Bosque; 858/756-3184.THE VEGETABLE SHOP AT THE CHINO FAMILY FARM, RANCHO SANTA FE, CAMaine, thankfully, is looking to celebrate a dessert rather than ban it. But the same kind of irrational preferences--and invocation of the nation's chubby children--are sure to pop up again when the same legislators consider bans and taxes,

3. GAVIOTA STRAWBERRIES from Harry's Berries at Santa Monica Farmers Market.farmersmarket. smgov.net

Author: Rachel Levin

Farm markets worthy of a trip: are unable to-skip stalls and stands burstin with localized coloration and summer time flavors

Arrive one and all

BELLINGHAM FARMERS Markets, BE.LLINGHAM, WA

* THE SCENE What began as a smallish, grassroots hard work has blossomed into just one of Washington's major, most beloved markets. Crafts are essentially as in demand right here as the raspberries and blueberries, which arrive by the sweet, juicy carton from farms just 6o miles away in Skagit and Whatcom Counties.

* THE Look for The very last Saturday of every month is Kids Vending Day, when the 25 tables are manned by the 18-and-below set. Even five-yr-olds set up booths hawking all kinds of things from tomatoes grown in their backyards to just-laid eggs to whoopie pies they developed by (you should not stress, squeaky-cleanse) hand. Sat by Dec 17 bellinghamfarmers.org All over the West

Very hot Things

SANTA FE FARMERS Marketplace, SANTA FE

* THE SCENE In the revamped Railyard District, this indoor-outdoor market has develop into a bona fide tourist attraction inside of strolling distance of the evenmore-touristy historic predominant Plaza. Nonetheless locals cherish it for its utter authenticity.

* THE Get Chiles, just about 60 kinds from New Mexico---Enormous Jim, Chimayo--with occasional cooking demos. Satyear-round santafefarmersmarketcom

Subtropical fruit burst

KAPIOLANI Community University FARMERS' Markets, HONOLULU

* THE SCENE As if Hawaii weren't utopian sufficient, a stroll via the KCC sector, at the base of the Diamond Head crater, may make you want to shift to Oahu quickly. Arrive early, like seven:thirty a.m. early, ahead of the mobs.

* THE Pick Extremely hard to decide upon just a single, with so a large amount of when-in Hawaii programs: Kukui's Portuguese sausage just-caught, grilled-to get Kona abalone and swaths of subtropical fruit, among them fresh new, silky litchi, juicy pineapple guavas, and super-sweet sugar pineapples. Sat yr-round hfbf.org

Neighborhood hangout hangout

HILLSDALE FARMERS' Sector, PORTLAND

* THE SCENE Born in 2002 and scaled-down-with less crowds and considerably more parking-than the jam-packed Portland Saturday Industry, Hillsdale is however a kid in industry decades. And just as blissful-go-lucky, which is why we really enjoy it.

* THE Locate In addition to the larger orchards that promote at every single markets in town, Hillsdale qualities more compact producers like Ayers Creek Farm, whose growers arrive bearing extra-sweet cane berries. (Ayers's Chester blackberries are employed to make native Very hot Lips soda.) Pop just one particular blackberry for evidence that all that Northwest rain is fantastic for a thing. Sun as a result of Nov 20, then two Sun/month due to Apr is hillsdalefarmersmarket.com

Perfect grilled cheese on the planet

Position REYES FARMERS Marketplace, Stage REYES STATION, CA

* THE SCENE Exterior Toby's Feed Barn, you'll find it all about straw hats, native gossip, and dwell bluegrass. This very low-vital, all-organic and natural market has only a handful of booths, but in a teeny, rarely-as well-touristy town, it can be a prime illustration of how high quality trumps amount.

* THE Unearth Look for a uncomplicated white banner in back that states G.B.D. That stands for Golden, Brown, Delightful: Osteria Stellina organic and natural bread oozing with Cowgirl Creamery cheese, a fried egg, and a fat, juicy tomato slice if you so pick. Seize a hay bale and relish. Sat thru Nov five level reyesweekend.com

Huckleberry heaven

MISSOULA FARMERS' Current market, MISSOULA, MT

* THE SCENE A blend of ranchers and school kids, families and hippies, sipping espresso from the native Butterfly Herbs cart and taking pleasure in an aged-fashioned feeling of local community.

* THE Come across Huckleberries in superior summer-this is Montana, once all-farmed by Southeast Asian Hmong and sold in unsealed zip-lock bags so these wild, powerful, just-sweet-adequate beauties can breathe. Sat because of Oct 22 missoulafctrrnersm.arket.com

Move above, A&W

Funds City PUBLIC Markets, BOISE

* THE SCENE This open-air market place is crammed with families performing their weekly buying from growers who arrive from all around the state to sell their stuff in the large city.

* THE Come across See these people strolling all-around with mason-jar mugs? Stick to them to the BuckSnort Root Beer booth, where by on tap is a Bellevue, Idaho-brewed tea (yup, root beer in its legitimate, non-huge-fructose-syrup type is seriously a tea) that blends molasses, cane juice, wintergreen, and all-natural roots like licorice and a sassafras extract. Consider, a soda that's in reality reliable for you. Even greater with a scoop of nearby vanilla ice cream. Sat as a result of Dec 77 seeyouatthemarket.com

Meat in the middle of nowhere

JAMES RANCH Marketplace, Around DURANGO, CO

* THE SCENE James Ranch sets up shop at the farmers' markets in Durango and Telluride, but the loved ones-run farm also has a cute, wooden-shingled farmstand of its personal. Push 10 miles north from Durango to the 450 blissful, higher-altitude acres of James Ranch in the Animas Valley, the place herds of Jersey cows, grass-fed beef cattle, and blissful egg-laying hens roam.

* THE Notice The market is stocked with ranch-prepared products and solutions like artisanal cheese, whey-fed pork, petit prime rib, tritip, sirloin, you title it. Grassy lawn and picnic tables correct external. .Mon-Sat into drop jamesranch.net

Cultural adventure

SAN JOAQUIN Licensed FARMERS' Industry, STOCKTON, CA

* THE SCENE Sprawled across a Central Valley mall parking whole lot is a earth with out $five peaches and purchasers driving Porsches. Alternatively, it is really like a refreshing trip overseas, jostling with previous girls who arrived early with pink plastic bags, Asian vendors advertising deliver unrecognizable to a great deal of Western consumers, and chefs who've street-tripped for inspiration.

* THE Get Lotus root, Chinese bitter melon, a zillion kinds of eggplants, and Southeast Asian herbs you may have to sniff. for yourself to feel. Thu via Nov 17 and Sun year-round,. Sjcfarmersmarket.com

Flavor THE WINDOW

THE VEGETABLE Store AT THE CHINO Household FARM, RANCHO SANTA FE, CA

* THE SCENE In addition to the drop-dead attractive make-farmed on 47 acres by the Chinos-you can probable see celeb chefs and meals lovers who've been regulars for a long time, like Alice Waters.

* THE Discover Veggies unlike any you have ever observed or tasted. Red carrots, candy lime mint, tomatoes of any hue, and white corn that could alter your lifestyle. Tue-Sun yr-round E-123 Caizada del Bosque 858/756-3184.

Connected Review: three a whole lot more farm-new tastes of summer time

one. RAINIER CHERRIES-cartons of which you can pull along in a red wagon, yours to borrow at Seattle's Columbia Town Farmers Industry. seattlefarmersmarkets.org

two. KAFFIR LIME AVOCADO POPSICLES by Extra fat Experience, really good on a very hot day at the Davis [California] Farmers Industry. davisfarmersmarket.org

three. GAVIOTA STRAWBERRIES from Harry's Berries at Santa Monica Farmers Sector.farmersmarket. smgov.net

Author: Rachel Levin

'Tis the trend

Just like the Grinch's heart grew and grew When he returned Christmas to Cindy-Lou Who, Processors that market seasonal food Increase holiday spirit and mood.

The idea of seasonal food marketing proliferated in 1962 when Hershey Foods substituted red or green foil for traditional silver on its famous chocolate kisses. A slew of confectioners followed Hershey's example, as did retail bakers. For example, Nabisco USA colors the cream filling in Oreo sandwich cookies orange for Halloween and red or green for Christmas.

This summer, Kellogg Co. expanded its seasonal Rice Krispies cereal line with All American Rice Krispies - a blend of red, blue and natural-colored crisped rice. This patriotic cereal joined last year's Halloween version made with orange and yellow crisped rice. Red and green Ho Ho Holiday debuted in 1994.

As with most trends, the dairy industry is slow to catch on. But fortunately, thanks to suppliers of both ingredients and packaging, aggressive dairy processors are expanding past eggnog and offering seasonal dairy foods that have Elsie singing Fa La La La La!

Rotating flavors

"Seasonal flavors are key to the success of Melody Farms' ice cream program," says Stephen George, v.p. of product development for the Livonia, Mich.-based dairy processor.

Like other ice cream manufacturers, Melody Farms Inc. has a standard list of ice cream offerings, with two rotating monthly flavors. "Retailers and consumers look forward to the new flavors each month," George says. "When the flavor runs out, if it was a success, consumers can expect to see it next year."

A few autumns ago, Melody Farms introduced Caramel Apple Dapple (lightly flavored apple ice cream with spicy apple chunks and caramel fudge syrup) and Pumpkin Pie a la Mode (vanilla ice cream with swirls of pumpkin pie filling and graham cracker crunchies). This year, the company redesigned the package graphics to be more festive and eye-catching for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

After these two flavors saturate the freezer, Melody Farms will roll in last year's successful Winter Wonder (red and green mint flakes in white chocolate ice cream) and Santa's Cookies & Milk (crisp chocolate chip cookies and chocolate butter fudge swirled in vanilla ice cream).

Turkey Hill Dairy, Conestoga, Pa., has a similar rotating feature flavor program for ice cream and frozen yogurt. "Through our offering of a limited supply of holiday-flavored ice cream, Turkey Hill obtains incremental sales at a time of year that ice cream sales are typically slow," says Marketing Manager Lisa Hutchinson.

This Thanksgiving season, Turkey Hill introduces Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Frozen Yogurt, joining last year's Whoopie Pie ice cream. Both are packaged in reusable half-gallon plastic tubs with a panoramic design of "what it's like to be in Lancaster County during pumpkin harvesting. The package invites consumers into our home, and leaves them with a keepsake," says Hutchinson.

Cleveland-based Pierre's French Ice Cream Co. produces an annual limited run of Pumpkin Pie, Cinnamon, Egg Nog, Rum Raisin and Nutcracker Sweet ice cream. "They are usually available from late October through January," says Eileen Garner, marketing mgr. "Due to the popularity of Peppermint Stick, it has become a year round flavor."

David Bush, g.m., Anderson Erickson Dairy Co., Des Moines, Iowa, says "We've always offered Christmas ice cream flavors like Peppermint Stick and Egg Nog, but this year we wanted something to differentiate ourselves from the competition."

Unlike other holiday ice cream flavors in which suppliers sell processors an entire concept (formula, package design and sometimes even promotional material), Anderson Erickson's new Mint Cherry Chocolate premium ice cream was developed in-house. "It's white mint ice cream with red and green mint cherry halves and red and green mint chocolate flakes," says Bush. "The tough part was finding cherries that did not bleed. Our suppliers helped us identify such a variety."

Early this summer, the company switched from half-gallon cardboard cartons to rounds. "The new package design gives us more room to dress it up for Christmas," says Bush. Holiday flavors are line-priced and range from $3.69-3.99. The company plans to aggressively sample Mint Cherry Chocolate in area markets.

The autumn cranberry, though not as popular as pumpkin or apple due to its tartness, is becoming more popular in dairy foods. For some manufacturers such as Herschleb Ice Cream Co., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Orange-Cranberry Sherbet and Cranberry Supreme Ice Cream are a year round business (since 1950 and 1980, respectively.) For Los Angeles-based Jerseymaid Ice Cream, Cranberry Apple Splash Nonfat Frozen Yogurt and Cranberry Sherbet are new for 1996. The company plans a November introduction and is anxiously awaiting consumer feedback.

Novel opportunity

The frozen novelty category has typically been the trendiest segment of the frozen dessert category. With more new products annually introduced than a retailer can possibly stock, holiday novelties offer a limited edition advantage.

According to a 1995 study conducted by Dairy Foods magazine, 68% of 822 consumers surveyed think of novelties as a warm-weather treat. Two-thirds of respondents tend to buy less product in the fall and winter than the spring and summer.

In order to raise category awareness during this "off season," Integrated Brands Inc., Ronkonkoma, N.Y., manufactures and markets a four-product line of holiday frozen novelties. Two of these novelties are cookie sandwiches: Chilly Bears and Gingerbread Men. Frosty Snowmen and Jolly Santas, the other two novelties, are molded and seasonally colored.

"Ice cream novelty sales decrease in winter time," says Vice President Gary Haber. "Christmas-themed products add excitement during the holidays. They also add value at the time of year when the ice cream freezer looks rather boring."

Foodservice directors understand boring, and are usually willing to try anything healthful to add excitement to a meal. This year, the foodservice division of Perry's Ice Cream Co., Akron, N.Y., introduced a line of holiday ice cream cups to the company's institutional customers. Brightly colored in keeping with the holidays they celebrate, cups are available for Halloween, Christmas and St. Patrick's Day.

"Foodservice directors at adult care homes, hospitals and schools are eager to serve these ice cream products as a way to add interest and excitement to the daily menu at holiday time," says Sue Faulkner, Perry's foodservice coordinator.

Tracy Masse, marketing promotions supervisor adds, "The Perry's product development team has had a fun time dreaming up these new flavors and the production team has enjoyed making them.

"The holiday line has been so successful that we plan to continue development in this area and look forward to a possible Cupid cup in 1997," Masse says.

Wilbraham, Mass.-based Friendly Ice Cream Corp. also recognizes that holiday products add excitement to the dining experience. Once a year, the company does a production run of what many families deem a holiday staple: the Jubilee Roll (premium ice cream, fudge topping, chopped almonds and candy chips). This family favorite is available in all Friendly's Restaurants as well as retail outlets beginning in late September and continuing through the holidays.

Nostalgic eggnog

Very seasonal, and very dairy, eggnog has not been able to attract year-round consumption. However, this October, Borden/Meadow Gold Dairies Inc., Ogden, Utah, decided to increase eggnog availability by offering quarts of the product in black paperboard cartons covered with jack-o-lanterns and colorful, falling leaves.

"Halloween eggnog is our attempt to attract consumers earlier in the eggnog season," says Scott Pevey, dir. of marketing.

Chelsea, Mass.-based H.P. Hood Inc. believes it has an eggnog that meets every eggnog consumer's needs. Hood offers seven varieties of eggnog: superpremium, standard, light, nonfat, and three flavored non-fat holiday nogs. The flavored nogs - Chocolate Irish Cream, Amaretto and Cinnamon Hazelnut, introduced last year in half-gallons - will be offered in quarts this year. "Quarts encourage trial," says Hood spokesperson Peter Minasian. "The smaller size maximizes its potential during the holiday season.

Author: Donna Gorski

5 quality retro bakeries

LOS ANGELES

SusieCakes This Brent-wood bakery has all your childhood favorites covered: whoopie pies, lemon squares, icebox pie, frosted animal cookies, and banana pudding with vanilla wafers. Closed Sun 11708 San Vicente Blvd. 310/442-2253.

OAKLAND

Bakesale Betty Proprietor Alison Barakat's shop characteristics nostalgic treats like sticky date pudding and small chocolate-covered sponge cakes termed Lamingtons. Closed Sun- Mon 5098 Tele-graph Ave. 510/985-1213.

PORTLAND

Saint Cupcake All American sweets, from red velvet cupcakes to oatmeal scotchies. Cookies formed like rocket ships or squirrels by extraordinary order. Closed Mon 407 N.W. 17th Ave. and 3300 S.E. Belmont Ave. 503/235-0078.

SAN FRANCISCO

Miette Confiserie This new sister retail store to the favored Ferry Structure cake shop sells Miette's trademark cupcakes, along with a slew of classic candies like Squirrel Nut Zippers and large pulled sugar lollipops. 449 Octavia Blvd. 415/626-6221.

SEATTLE

Trophy Cupcakes and Celebration It is not just the cupcakes--like PB&J or snickerdoodle--that have traditional appeal. Proprietor Jennifer Shea also sells classic bash materials (like 1940s hats and cake toppers). 1815 N. 45th St., Ste. 209 206/632-7020.

Makin' whoopie

The whoopie pie is definitely a regional treat, as pockets of the country from New England to Ohio are well aware of the black-and-white snack. The rest of the country, however, is only now starting to discover this cake-like cookie.

Specialty shops and high-end grocers, having recently made room for cupcakes, are starting to stock the treats. Even Williams-Sonoma has made room for the whoopie pie in its February catalog, though the name has been altered to "sweetie pies." At $49 a dozen, the heart-shaped pies are baked in Maine with butter and organic eggs. However, traditional round forms can be found in Trader Joe's and Whole Foods in Manhattan and as far away as Evanston, Ill. While such may be the traditional form, the New York Times finds dozens of variations on the shape, flavors and fillings, beyond the classic two round mounds of chocolate cake (about three inches across) with a filling of French vanilla cream.

In fact, the processed food industry already has several examples of the treat: Oreo Cakesters, Suzy Q from Hostess and a number of Little Debbie snacks.

Author: William A. Roberts, Jr.