Folks in Amish Country in Lancaster, Pa., are fighting mad about a challenge to their local claim to the birthplace of the whoopie pie. It comes from Maine, where legislators are poised to name the cookie pie the state's official dessert, according a story in the Wall Street Journal. (Although an amendment would call it the official "treat.")
I don't know why I care, but I do. I'm not even a whoopie pie fan - I prefer my icing on the outside of the cake. But every area has its culinary treasures, right? And Maine already has delicious blueberries and succulent lobster - not to mention the tasty lobster roll - do they need whoopie pie, too?
But on the other hand, Pennsylvania has Philly cheesesteaks, pierogies, Hershey's chocolate and of course, the Amish also have shoofly pie - whoops, I guess that will have to be the backup plan.
While the matter of the batter is hashed out by officials, the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau has set up a website, SaveOurWhoopie.com, where you can sign a virtual petition of support for Lancaster County as the home of the whoopie pie. So whoops, there it is.
Photo courtesy of PA Dutch Visitors Bureau.
