Tuesday
Jul282009
War Whoop: Why Whoopie Pies Are Not the Next Big Thing
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 
Whoopie pies.
There are so many reasons to love them. They're delicious. They're rich in history. They're filled with frosting.
What they are not, however, is the successor to King Cupcake's place in the popular dessert kingdom--regardless of what the New York Times says. Now, I realize that this is a powerful claim--but it's not just talk. To really become the next big thing, Whoopie Pies have some work to do. Let's lay it down:
Problem one: The Stupid Name. There's no delicate way to say it: Whoopie Pie is a stupid-sounding name. For me, "whoopie" conjures up goofy images of sexual reference on the Newlywed Show and cushions that make farting sounds. I don't know about you, but even adding "pie" after it doesn't serve to cancel out these associations or change them to "irresistible dessert".
It's true--there are alternate names by which the treat is sometimes known: gob, and sometimes bob. You know what? These are not an improvement.
Is there a solution? Well, changing the name. Easier said than done, as anyone who has tried to upgrade to a full name from a diminutive knows; however, may I humbly suggest a few new names, just to try on for size? Frosting sandwich? Sweetburger? Cakewich? They may not be perfect, but no worse than whoopie pie.
Problem two: the cute factor. Don't get me wrong--whoopie pies do have a certain visual charm. But they're kind of cute in the same way my pug is cute--a sort of ugly-cute. They are a little lopsided, and the ungarnished cakey bits aren't much to look at on their own, and the look is generally very homey. Not to say homey is a bad thing, but if they want to graduate to a dessert worthy of cult following and mentions in US Weekly, they're going to need a little work on their styling.
Is there a solution? Luckily, there are remedies. I thought it was very cute to add sprinkles, nuts or chocolate chips to the side, chipwich-style, as I saw at Seattle bakery Sweet on You; the delicate frosting piping shown in the New York Times article index photo (whoopie pies from Trois Pommes Patisserie in Park Slope) adds a pretty touch too. Also, playing with flavor (as Joy the Baker, Crumblycookie.net and Seattle coffee shop Javasti have done) can also be a very effective way to not only add to the deliciousness of the treats but also to add some stunning color contrasts which lend an air of sophistication.
Problem three: the size. They are, to put it delicately, huge. As much as it pains me to say it, the classic whoopie pie is often too huge for a single serving, which poses the eater with all sorts of awkwardness. Do you share with a friend? Do you save it for later? Either way there are obstacles--if you're sharing, you've got to first face the issue of whether or not you really want to share, in addition to the more practical matter of how to divide it, especially if you've taken it to go. If you've decided to save it for later, you're left carrying a somewhat delicate confection which can easily crush or ooze so that you lose precious frosting. This is a serious bummer.
Is there a solution? Mini whoopie pies. I first encountered these at the Baked: New Frontiers in Baking
book party in Seattle, when they served mini versions of their insanely delicious pumpkin whoopie pies. At about 2.5 inches in diameter they were the perfect single-serving size, with a great frosting-to-cake ratio and no awkward "want to share?" moments.
Is there a solution? Well, changing the name. Easier said than done, as anyone who has tried to upgrade to a full name from a diminutive knows; however, may I humbly suggest a few new names, just to try on for size? Frosting sandwich? Sweetburger? Cakewich? They may not be perfect, but no worse than whoopie pie.
Problem two: the cute factor. Don't get me wrong--whoopie pies do have a certain visual charm. But they're kind of cute in the same way my pug is cute--a sort of ugly-cute. They are a little lopsided, and the ungarnished cakey bits aren't much to look at on their own, and the look is generally very homey. Not to say homey is a bad thing, but if they want to graduate to a dessert worthy of cult following and mentions in US Weekly, they're going to need a little work on their styling.
Is there a solution? Luckily, there are remedies. I thought it was very cute to add sprinkles, nuts or chocolate chips to the side, chipwich-style, as I saw at Seattle bakery Sweet on You; the delicate frosting piping shown in the New York Times article index photo (whoopie pies from Trois Pommes Patisserie in Park Slope) adds a pretty touch too. Also, playing with flavor (as Joy the Baker, Crumblycookie.net and Seattle coffee shop Javasti have done) can also be a very effective way to not only add to the deliciousness of the treats but also to add some stunning color contrasts which lend an air of sophistication.
Problem three: the size. They are, to put it delicately, huge. As much as it pains me to say it, the classic whoopie pie is often too huge for a single serving, which poses the eater with all sorts of awkwardness. Do you share with a friend? Do you save it for later? Either way there are obstacles--if you're sharing, you've got to first face the issue of whether or not you really want to share, in addition to the more practical matter of how to divide it, especially if you've taken it to go. If you've decided to save it for later, you're left carrying a somewhat delicate confection which can easily crush or ooze so that you lose precious frosting. This is a serious bummer.
Is there a solution? Mini whoopie pies. I first encountered these at the Baked: New Frontiers in Baking
book party in Seattle, when they served mini versions of their insanely delicious pumpkin whoopie pies. At about 2.5 inches in diameter they were the perfect single-serving size, with a great frosting-to-cake ratio and no awkward "want to share?" moments. 
OK, as you might have surmised, this post is not meant to be a rage against the Whoopie Pie machine--just some constructive criticism. Now, off to go eat one. Or two. And I'm definitely not sharing.
Want more Whoopie? You can buy them online here and here; you can attend the Whoopie Pie festival in Lancaster, PA in September; you can read more about their history here.
Reader Comments (8)
Although to some it may feel oh-so-far-off, spring is on it's way, and here are the louis vuitton to prove it!
New Christian Louboutin spring shoes are hitting the shelves and they are colorful, whimsical and playful,perfect for a spring or summer wedding looking for a little jolt of fun! and now discount for Gucci,Which are your faves?
weight loss
diet pills
how to lose weight fast
louis vuitton
replica handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
discount handbags
lv
discount handbags
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton blog
louis vuitton
replica handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
discount handbags
lv
discount handbags
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton
replica handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
discount handbags
lv
discount handbags
louis vuitton bags
christian louboutin
louboutin
christian louboutin shoes
louboutin shoes
bridal shoes
sexy shoes
high heels shoes
christian louboutin
louboutin
christian louboutin shoes
louboutin shoes
bridal shoes
sexy shoes
high heels shoes
ed hardy
ed hardy clothing
ed hardy clothing shirts
ed hardy clothes
ed hardy t shirts
ed hardy
ed hardy clothing
ed hardy clothing shirts
ed hardy clothes
ed hardy t shirts
rosetta stone
rosetta stone software
rosetta
chaojimengnan supplier
chaojimengnan
whoopie pies mmmm I could eat them all the time, only those pies and nothing more...well that and beer would be perfect. I once ate a whoopee pie that had an unusual ingredient, my wife had added Sildenafil Citrate and I didn't know about it till later that night
My grandmother used to prepare the most delicious whoopie pies on earth. Thank you for bringing her to my memory. I want to start my own bakery next month, but first I need my last payment from viagra online department. I'll be asking you some advices soon. Thank you.
i dont know if there suitalbe to write something good website i meet here, for i hope every body could have a good shopping experience online.
here i want to introduce this website,
mainly selling nfl jerseys,
ghd purple, christian louboutin,
and air max 95.
they offer 24 hours online service, and very very good customer service.
i buy the air max 90 shoes online on the website, nice design and good quality. that is why i strongly introduce you here.nike shox
it is not a advertisment, just share my shopping experience with everybody. hope you have a nice day, and could enjoy the good shopping.air max
nike shoes
nike air force 1
nike shox
nike dunks
Jordan Basketball Shoes
nike air max
nike sb dunks
nike dunk shoes
Michael Jordan Shoes
nike air max 90
nike sb dunks
basketball shoes
Nike Shoes
nike air force 1
Jordan Shoes
I never see so wonderful article. We provide discount designer handbags, many replica designer handbags wholesale, includes cheap louis vuitton handbags, cheap chanel designer handbags, discount coach handbags, replica gucci handbags, replica prada designer handbags, cheap Balenciaga handbags, cheap Miu Miu designer handbags, discount Fendi handbags. authentic designer handbags - fashionezhone.com, cheap louis vuitton designer handbags, discount chanel handbags, discount coach designer handbags, discount gucci designer handbags, prada handbags, Balenciaga designer handbags, replica Miu Miu handbags, Fendi designer handbags, cheap designer handbags wholesale. and all of our luxury designer handbags, discount louis vuitton handbags, discount chanel designer handbags, authentic coach handbags, luxury gucci designer handbags, fashion prada handbags, replica Balenciaga handbags, replica Miu Miu designer handbags, cheap Fendi handbags free and fast shipping. authentic designer handbags wholesale. louis vuitton designer handbags online, chanel handbags online, coach handbags uk, gucci designer handbags uk, buy prada handbags, buy Balenciaga designer handbags, Miu Miu designer handbags sale, Fendi handbags wholesale, Fendi designer handbags online, louis vuitton designer handbags wholesale, chanel handbags wholesale, buy coach designer handbags in FashioneZone.com.
With the development of tecnology and economy, more and more people tend to pay more attention to their body. They want to have better shape and healthier body. Here, I will introduce a good program to you—p90x price. from America.p90x price is classic training DVD which covers all manner of fitness methods. It include 13 p90x price and beachbody complete training for 90 days. Please image that you will hve your dreamed body and shape in 90 days.There are also many other fasion sports included in p90x. they are waiting for you to find.
How can you learning languages without Rosetta Stone Spanish dvd. Here, I am not point the real stone in British Museum. The real rosetta stone is a stone that has Greek, Egyptian script and the words popular during that time.If you want to learn another language to improve yourself, you can choose this useful software Rosetta Stone Spanish dvd to enhance your level of languages.
itunes gift card,itunes code
P90x extreme home fitness program
Rosetta Stone Latin America DVD
use itunes gift card best buy
An excenlent watch can make you feel good, and that may improve your grade. A successfui businessman must have one kind of
watch to show his special quality. for a lady the watch also can attract many eyes. that is a amazing feeling for owning a
watch. these watches are selected for all kinds of people. you can get your favorite watch freely.
mens watches
breitling navitimer
rolex datejust
breitling crosswind
panerai watches
bvlgari watches
hublot watches
iwc watches
panerai luminor
burberry watches
breitling
panerai watches
hublot watches
omega seamaster
rolex submariner
rolex daytona
watches