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| Our Taster couldn’t get enough of Andrew’s take on these Whoopie Pies |
Some of the nicest people on earth are food people. I realize this every time I do a personal appearance for Monte’s Ham at The Artisan’s Market at Williams-Sonoma. When I do one of these, Andrew scopes out all the other Artisans and has a terrific time sampling what’s on offer–particularly the bakery items. My fellow vendors are a giving and caring lot who share their recipes and their samples with great pleasure. Even then, David Crofton of the Brooklyn bakery/cafes called “One Girl Cookies” stands out. That is not only because he is extraordinarily tall, he has a great sense of humor. When I kidded him about standing under a banner reading ‘One Girl’, his retort was “Some Girl, huh?”. (Some success “One Girl” is too. After starting out in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (68 Dean Street, Brooklyn 11201 Tel (212) 675-4996), there’s a new One Girl at 33 Main St. (Corner of Water)(Tel: 347-338-1268) in Dumbo, which in case you don’t live in New York, is a fantastic newly gentrified neighborhood “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”.)
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| Dawn Casale and David Crofton, a Kismet moment if there every was one. |
At the last Artisan’s Market, Andrew pretty well tried every sample David had on hand. He was particularly taken with the Whoopie Pies and knowing that our favorite taster, our grandson Mason, aged almost four, was making his own personal appearance at our house this summer, Andrew realized he’d found the perfect treat. So he bought “One Girl Cookies”, the cookbook published by Clarkson Potter this year (2012). Full of great recipes, the book also delights with its story of how David met his wife and partner in the bakeries, Dawn Casale. And if ever there was a Kismet story, theirs is it.
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| The Original One Girl Cookies in Cobble Hill Brooklyn |
Dawn was a refugee from the high-end retail store, Barney’s. While still working there, she started her business baking cookies out of her Greenwich Village apartment. She was looking for a flat mate and David needed a place to stay. But that was only the first touch point. Dawn was also looking for a baker and David was looking for a job while he went to Pastry School at night. David quickly prioritized and determined he needed the job more than the roommate so he interviewed for the baker spot. Apparently the chemistry in the kitchen extended well beyond its walls and the pair married, and share both the bakery and a home with their son, Nate.
The Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Peppermint filling is a great example of how the flavors of mint and chocolate are naturals together. But Dawn and David give a caveat here. If you don’t want the filling to taste “like a swig of Scope”, you’ve got to spring for natural Peppermint Extract—no imitation anything. So spring we did and these pies were a huge hit. So much so that there were virtually none left because Mason wasn’t the only one enamored of these treats. These light-as-air mouthfuls of chocolate-y minty goodness were a big hit with everyone. Here’s the recipe which makes 24 of these devilishly good pies.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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| Peppermint Filling |
To make filling:
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together cream cheese and butter on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Reduce mixer speed to low; add peppermint extract and salt, and mix for 30 seconds. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and mix for 1 minute. If filling is too soft to hold its shape, add more confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency. (Store in refrigerator, in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed onto surface of filling, for up to 5 days.)
Turn half the whoopies over so they’re bottom-side up. Using a pastry bag or butter knife, add a dollop (1 1/2 tablespoons) of Peppermint Filling onto each whoopie bottom. Top with remaining whoopies.
From the look of your photos, I'd say your whoopie pies turned out great! We're so glad your official taster approved! Keep us posted on how other recipes from the book turn out.
We sure will Rebecca and we'll let you know all about it. All best, Monte
OH these were a HUGE hit!! They were made right after I saw your post and a 2nd batch is being made tonight as it is going to be poolside all weekend, I need my treats you see.. C: I made two different flavors, I tried the Peppermint Extract for Edward and I used Orange for myself. The only error I made was being a little too generous on 3 of them and we had spillage.. Being a quality control manager myself, and having young Mason for inspiration – I ate them to avoid unsightly plating. We do what we can… C:
AND I love the love story, it's as sweet as the pies. Thanks everyone!
You do know how you make my day, Ana! I really was overwhelmed by this comment and I thank you so much for it. Andrew thanks you as well! All best and enjoy your pool time. XOXO M