Leslie Meredith

Electrolux is playing a major role in the Expo 2010 Shanghai World Expo with kitchens in 14 pavilions including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S.

The Shanghai World Expo will run from May 1 to October 31, 2010.  Its theme is “Better City-Better Life” and is designed to further establish the city of Shanghai as a major economic and cultural center with a focus on more sustainable ways of green living.

More than 190 countries and over 50 international organizations will be participating in the Expo. World leaders and millions of visitors are expected to attend. Average daily attendance is estimated at over 400,000.

Electrolux will have the largest presence in the 3,000 square meter Swedish pavilion, fitting for the Swedish-based company. The "Sweden – Spirit of Innovation" pavilion showcases innovative and sustainable products from companies with a Swedish origin. Electrolux has equipped the household kitchen at the center of the public exhibition with Bright range products and Electrolux vacuum cleaners.

The U.S. offers a virtual tour of its pavilion at the Shanghai Expo featuring a glimpse of NBA champion Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, video statements from Hilary Clinton and President Obama who says, "We are bound by our common humanity and our shared curiosity. This includes the hopes we share with the people of China and the people around the world to work together to realize a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future."

In related news, Electrolux recently opened a flagship store in Beijing. Electrolux is one of the internationally acclaimed brands of appliances featured at all Fine Lines stores.

A study today released by market research firm J.D. Power Tribe Intelligence, finds big differences between age groups in how they approach green living. The youngest and oldest consumers are advocacy-oriented, while Gen X and Gen Y moms are more likely to take action and adopt green habits within their households.

A few well tended pots on a sunny patio can provide a family with salad greens, a surprising range of vegetables and fresh herbs throughout the sumemr, and for some who live in a mild climate, all year round.

With temperatures rising throughout hhgregg territory, it's time to think about saving energy. Before it becomes unbearably hot, the Consumer Energy Center recommends homeowners take a close look at their heating and cooling system and do the following:

Change your filters in your heating/cooling system. Change them regularly - at least monthly.

Next change your thermostat over to "cool" and test the system by turning the temperature down. If the air conditioner does not turn on, first check to make sure no breakers are tripped. If you can't figure out the problem, call your heating and air conditoning repair person. Calling early may keep you from making an "emergency" call when the temperatures are soaring and the repair people are too busy.

If your cooling system turns on, make sure it is putting out adequate cooling. If it's not, and you can't figure out the problem, call your heating and air conditoning repair person. Make sure you set it at 78 degrees.

Consider changing your old thermostat to a programmable one. You can save up to $100 a year by using a new set-back thermostat. If your thermostat is really old and uses a mercury switch (a glass tube filed with silvery substance) call your local public works department to find out how to dispose of this toxic material.

Now that the house is ready for summer, consider replacing kitchen and laundry appliances with new energy efficient models. Visit hhgregg this holiday weekend for great deals on Energy Star Rated appliances that will save money on the utility bill all summer long.

Memorial Day weekend barbecues are the perfect time to take advantage of locally grown asparagus as this season for this springtime vegetable draws to a close.

Asparagus takes on a new flavor when grilled, and you may find that kids who turned up their noise at this one, like it grilled.

Try this light and super simple prawn and asparagus recipe from Sub-Zero and Wolf this weekend.

Grilled Balsamic Prawns and Asparagus
Serves 2

Ingredients

12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined
1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Preheat Wolf Barbecue Grill on medium high for 10 minutes with hood closed.

In a bowl combine the vinegar and oil. Add the shrimp to the vinaigrette. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the parsley. Place the shrimp onto the grill and cook for 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp's flesh will turn orange when done. It is very important not to overcook the shrimp.

Electrolux presented four new 'appliances of the future,' at the Grand Designs Live Event in London earlier this month. The home design and technology show has been running for over 100 years and regularly attracts over 250,000 visitors every year.

The appliances were winners in Electrolux’s Design Lab competition 2009, giving the student inventors an opportunity to share their innovative designs with London crowds.

The concept products may seem farfetched, but a Panorama Kitchen representative on the show floor  said, "These new appliance ideas that believe it or not may well be common in the house of the future."

From a waterless laundry machine to a sustainable meat and fish generator, these appliances could dramatically change the way we use our kitchens.

Electrolux Naturewash is a waterless washing machine that uses negative ions to clean fabric. The user would lie or sit on Naturewash to clean or refresh the clothes they were wearing. Not quite clean enough for you? Clothes can also be laid flat in the machine.
Alternately, the Electrolux Renew steams clothes clean by using an infrared scanner and radio frequency to read "smart" tags on clothing and clean accordingly. Renew would be about a quarter of the size of a regular washing machine and would be made of recycled aluminum and glass.

Electrolux Water Catcher is a flying appliance that catches and purifies rain water by releasing small flying balls in the air to catch raindrops. When the raindrops are collected, the water catcher purifies the water for drinking and can add supplements tailored to an individual’s health requirements.

Finally, the Electrolux Cocoon tackles the problem of how to provide meat and fish in a sustainable way to a growing world population. The Cocoon is designed to prepare genetically engineered and pre-packaged meat and fish dishes, and thereby reduce the demand farming and fishing.

Electrolux appliances are available here in the U.S. at Fine Lines.

Beeping microwaves, rumbling dishwashers and even the hum of refrigerators can add up to disturbing noise levels in the average kitchen. Swedish-based appliance manufacturer Electrolux this year introduced a range of quiet appliances in an effort to reduce kitchen noise emission.

The World Health Organization found noise to be not just a nuisance, but a health hazard. In its report on community noise, the WHO said noise can disturb sleep, cause cardiovascular and psycho-physiological effects, reduce performance, and provoke annoyance responses. Some of that noise may be coming from your own kitchen.

In 2007, an Electrolux report into noise in the home found that around a third of customers wished they had taken noise emissions into account when purchasing their kitchen appliances. Specifically, 29 percent of those buying washing machines, 28 percent of those buying dishwashers, 33 percent of those buying range hoods, 27 percent of those buying clothes dryers and 18 percent of those buying refrigerators wished they had taken noise in to account to a greater degree when they bought each item.

Anna Cox, marketing manager at Electrolux, said of the study: "In some cases, consumers were so unhappy with the noise their new appliance made, they eventually threw it out – or never actually used it."

Results from the Electrolux Noise Report also revealed consumers would pay more for quieter appliances, and resulted in a new line of "quiet" appliances that reduce kitchen noise emissions. In response to the findings, Electrolux introduced the world's quietest dishwasher and vacuum cleaner last month along with reduced-noise washing machines and dryers, which are green in terms of both energy efficiency and noise pollution reduction.

Electrolux attributes the reduced noise levels to aerodynamic design, efficient seals, soft motor mountings and the use of advanced sound absorption materials.

To quantify the noise associated with common household appliances, Electrolux compiled a chart comparing everyday sounds with its new appliances to help consumers get a sense of the difference a quieter appliance could make in their homes.

The problem with noise is that it is subjective – one person’s harmonious melody is another person’s nightmare. This makes it impossible to measure noise, only sound can be measured. Sound is measured in decibels.

What appears to be a small change in decibels can mean a big difference in sound levels. For instance, a change of three decibels halves or doubles sound levels. This means that a power drill emits more than 8 times as much noise as a food processor and more than 64 times as much noise as the average vacuum cleaner.

While there is no appliance quiet enough to meet the decibel level recommendation by the World Health Organization for a peaceful night's sleep, a food processor is the only kitchen appliance on the list loud enough to cause hearing loss.

The chart below gives a guide to the sound levels of some common noises:

0 dB Human hearing threshold
20dB Human whisper
30dB World Health Organization's recommendation for undisturbed sleep
37dB Electrolux "quiet" dishwasher
40dB Library
49dB Electrolux "quiet" washing machine
50dB Average dishwasher
68dB Electrolux "quiet" clothes dryer
68dB Electrolux "quiet" vacuum cleaner
70dB Average washer and dryer
78dB Average vacuum cleaner
85dB Prolonged exposure above this level can cause damage to hearing
90dB Food processor
100dB Electric drill
120dB Thunder
130dB Threshold of pain
140dB Plane taking off
150dB Gunshot

Electrolux appliances are available at Fine Lines.

Whirlpool today announced a new washer and dryer pair equipped with a LCD touch screen interface and the industry's first USB port, which will give consumers access to future upgrades and personalized laundry cycles. The hi-tech features will let owners optimize appliance efficiency and customize settings for better fabric care.

"From start to finish, top to bottom, we looked at every aspect of the washer and dryer to identify ways we could improve upon the laundry experience," said Brandon Buckingham, senior Whirlpool brand manager, North American Region Laundry. "Whirlpool brand is redefining innovation to mean more than just technology – we've combined the best of the consumer electronics industry with automotive design concepts and eco-friendly features to create a truly cutting-edge laundry pair."

With an LCD touch screen and built-in Cycle-Logic  intelligence, consumers can not only select cycles, but also can create their own if the 33 special cycles built into the machines. Vantage offers cycles for athletic wear, baby items, stuffed animals, jeans, bath mats, shower curtains, shoes and swimwear, plus a Stain Assist laundry feature that claims no stain is too tough.

Eco-efficiency can now be found all in the same package with this high-efficiency  laundry pair. The Vantage washer uses 76 percent less water and 75 percent less energy, and can save more than $1,300 on utility bills over its lifetime.

The Vantage dryer features a green eco-setting, which reduces energy consumption through efficient heat management. The industry-first EcoMonitor feature in the washer and dryer not only measures the amount of savings per load, it also monitors the savings history, so consumers will be able to track their savings over time.

Whirlpool says it has built this pair for coming upgrades for even smarter operation in the future.

The Whirlpool Vantage pair will be available this June. Take a look at all of the energy saving appliances available at hhgregg.

One of my favorite food sites, Epicurious.com, now offers a one-click way to see what's in season state by state. With the list in mind, you may head out to your local farmer's market and expect to see those items, and if you're lucky, unusual or heirloom varieties.

Asparagus, collard greens, peas, spinach, and strawberries are likely found locally in Indiana during May. Head down to hhgregg southern states, and the list lengthens. Floridians can enjoy locally grown blueberries, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, mangoes, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelon.

To be fair to both north and south, we'll feature strawberries this week. The typical grocery store strawberry has usually travelled a long way. They may be red, but certainly not as sweet as locally grown berries, which can be picked ripe and sold within a day.

According to the Epicurious Food Dictionary: the strawberry is a member of the rose family and has grown wild for centuries in both the Americas and Europe. The Romans valued the fruit for its reputed therapeutic powers for everything from loose teeth to gastritis. However, it wasn't until the late 13th century that the plant was first cultivated. The most common American variety is the result of several centuries of crossbreeding of the wild Virginia strawberry (North America's main native strawberry) and a Chilean variety. More flavorful, however, are European Alpine strawberries — the tiny, exquisitely sweet wild strawberries of France known as fraises des bois. ―please let me know if you come upon a basket of these! ~Leslie

Strawberry Tiramisu
Recipe from Epicurious.com
Serves 8
Must be prepared a day ahead

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves
1/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons Cointreau or other orange liqueur
1/3 cup orange juice
1 pound mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 1/3 cups chilled whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
52 (about) crisp ladyfingers (boudoirs or Savoiardi)
1 1/2 pounds strawberries, divided

Preparation
Whisk preserves, 1/3 cup Cointreau, and orange juice in 2-cup measuring cup. Place mascarpone cheese and 2 tablespoons Cointreau in large bowl; fold just to blend. Using electric mixer, beat cream, sugar, vanilla, and remaining 2 tablespoons Cointreau in another large bowl to soft peaks. Stir 1/4 of whipped cream mixture into mascarpone mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining whipped cream.

Hull and slice half of strawberries. Spread 1/2 cup preserve mixture over bottom of 3-quart oblong serving dish or a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange enough ladyfingers over strawberry mixture to cover bottom of dish. Spoon 3/4 cup preserve mixture over ladyfingers, then spread 2 1/2 cups mascarpone mixture over. Arrange 2 cups sliced strawberries over mascarpone mixture. Repeat layering with remaining lady fingers, preserve mixture, and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic and chill at least 8 hours or overnight.

Slice remaining strawberries. Arrange over tiramasù and serve.

Kentucky residents have about a month to receive "green" savings on energy star appliances from qualified appliance categories. In the first 24 hours, one-fourth of the available funds had been claimed and as of today, 92 percent of the funds have been allocated. 

Did you know that you can roast two chickens using about the same amount of energy as roasting a single chicken? Besides cooking more efficiently, you'll have a headstart on tomorrow night's meal.

Here are two recipes: one for the roast chicken and the second for a Moroccan chicken stew. These two dishes are so different from one another, your family will be happy to eat chicken two nights in a row.

General Electric has chosen Atlanta as the headquarters for its new Smart Grid Technology Center of Excellence. The center is scheduled to open July for GE employees and the customer showcase will open in September.

"Atlanta is an ideal location for us to continue to grow our smart grid business," said Bob Gilligan, vice president--digital energy for GE Energy Services. "This new center of excellence will strengthen our green workforce and help GE continue to create solutions to better address our 21st century energy needs."

The center is expected to add about 400 new jobs over three years. It will combine the world headquarters for GE's Digital Energy business, a world-class smart grid engineering laboratory and a world-destination smart grid customer solutions showcase.

GE indicated it will need a highly trained "green" workforce. Funding from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is being used to train and build a solid, energy-savvy human resource that will benefit the Atlanta area for years to come.

In addition to federal government cooperation, the Georgia Economic Development Office and the Georgia governor's office worked with GE to help secure the green jobs for Atlanta.

The smart grid lab features collaboration between GE and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), one of the nation's top research universities. The lab will focus on integrating more renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, lowering the peak power demand that lowers the need for new power plants, and on improving the ways consumers manage their power usage.

The smart grid customer solutions showcase will feature hands-on interactive displays that can help visitors see how changes in the ways power is generated, delivered and consumed can improve the ways they live--from plug-in car charging and home energy management to renewable generation and automated grid communications networks.

It is this smart grid that future "smart" appliances will connect with to reduce overall energy consumption.

hhgregg is located throughout Georgia and features a large selection of energy efficient appliances including those from GE.

U.S. Will Dominate Global Smart Appliance Market in 2011
Energy Monitors May Lead to Savings
National Broadband Plan Includes Energy Saving Initiatives

According to a study out of the Georgia Institute of Technology, "Energy Efficiency in the South," the South, as a region, has been resistant to change and is behind the rest of the country when it comes to energy-efficiency.

The results were reinforced by a recent American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) report that ranked all 17 Southern states in the bottom 30 for energy savings.

While some may accept the findings with resignation, others see it as a call to arms.
Auburn University is taking steps to become more sustainable, according to Gregory Parsons, University architect for the University.

This year's student led project Art in Agriculture brings ecology, agriculture and art together in an exhibit that runs through May, showing sustainability can fill both aesthetic and economic goals.

Around campus, solar street lights, LED traffic signals, water-saver toilets and fixtures are just a few of the improvements on Auburn’s campus.

Parsons said he has been testing a temporary solar street lamp and they should be up on Magnolia Avenue in a couple of weeks before the installation of permanent lighting.

Parsons encourages traveling by Tiger Transit and bicycle to be more energy efficient.

“An aggressive commitment to energy efficiency could be an economic windfall for the South,” Brown said. “Such a shift would lower energy bills for cash-strapped consumers and businesses and create more new jobs for Southern workers.”

Alabama consumers are currently elibible for rebates on Energy Star appliances under the state's Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program that began April 19 and runs through May 9 or until funds are exhausted.

Cheesecake is a prime candidate for a green conversion. Instead of regular cream cheese, search out an organic brand. Most stores including Whole Foods and Wal-Mart carry organic cream cheese.

You may luck out at your local farmers market and discover a locally produced boutique brand.

While you're shopping, look for organic strawberries for this fresh fruit topping.

Leslie's green tip: If you can arrange to do your shopping on Saturday morning or whenever your local farmers market is open, stop there first and buy as much as you can from local producers. Keep an open mind, you may be happily surprised by something that's not on your list. While tonight's dessert may go out the window, your family be impressed with flexibility and delighted with a fresh from the farm alternative.

Traditional Cheesecake
Compliments of Thermador
Serves 12 to 16

The flavor and texture of the cheesecake are best if the cake is allowed to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. When cutting the cake, have a pitcher of hot tap water ready; dipping the blade of the knife into the water and wiping it after each slice helps make clean slices.

Also, you may substitute chocolate wafers for the graham crackers as pictured here.

Graham Cracker Crust
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
for greasing the pan
8 whole graham crackers (4 ounces), broken into rough pieces and processed in a food
processor to fine, even crumbs
1 tablespoon sugar   

Filling
2 1/2 pounds (five 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, cut into rough 1-inch chunks, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) sugar
1/3 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons juice from 1 lemon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large egg yolks plus 6 large eggs, at room temperature

1. For the crust: Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with 1/2 tablespoon of the melted butter. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a medium bowl; add 5 tablespoons of the melted butter and toss with a fork until evenly moistened. Empty the crumbs into the springform pan and, using the bottom of a ramekin, 1 cup measuring cup, or drinking glass, press evenly into the pan bottom, using a teaspoon to press the crumbs neatly into the corner of the pan. Bake until fragrant and beginning to brown around the edges, about 13 minutes. Cool on a wire rack while making the filling.

2. For the cheesecake filling: Increase the oven temperature to 500 degrees. In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat the cream cheese at medium-low speed to break up and soften it slightly, about 1 minute. Scrape the beater and the bottom and sides of the bowl well with a rubber spatula; add the salt and about half of the sugar and beat at medium-low speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl; beat in the remaining sugar until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl; add the sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla, and beat at low speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl; add the egg yolks and beat at medium-low speed until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl; add the remaining eggs 2 at a time, beating until thoroughly combined, about 1 minute, scraping the bowl between additions.

3. Brush the sides of the springform pan with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon melted butter. Set the springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any spills if the pan leaks). Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake 10 minutes; without opening the oven door, reduce the oven temperature to 200 degrees and continue to bake until the cheesecake reads about 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center, about 1 1 1/2 hours. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and cool until barely warm, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Run a paring knife between the cake and the springform pan sides. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours. (The cheesecake can be refrigerated up to 4 days.)

4. To unmold the cheesecake, remove the sides of the pan. Slide a thin metal spatula between the crust and the bottom of the pan to loosen, then slide the cake onto a serving plate. Let the cheesecake stand at room temperature about 30 minutes, then cut into wedges (see note) and serve with Fresh Strawberry Topping (recipe follows), if desired.


Fresh Strawberry Topping
Makes about 1 1/2 quarts

The dense, creamy richness of a traditional cheesecake makes it the perfect candidate for some kind of fruity foil. A ruby-colored, glazed strawberry topping is the classic accompaniment to New York cheesecake. This topping is best served the same day it is made.

2 pounds strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and cut lengthwise into 1/4- to 3/8-inch wedges
1/2 cup (31/2 ounces) sugar
Pinch salt
1 cup strawberry jam
2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon

1. Toss the berries, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl; let stand until the berries have released some juice and the sugar has dissolved, about 30 minutes, tossing occasionally to combine.

2. Process the jam in a food processor until smooth, about 8 seconds; transfer to a small saucepan. Bring the jam to a simmer over medium-high heat; simmer, stirring frequently, until dark and no longer frothy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice; pour the warm jam over the strawberries and stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours or up to 12. To serve, spoon a portion of sauce over individual slices of cheesecake.

Thermador appliances can be found at Fine Lines.

Alabama received a formula-based funding amount of $4,473,000 to establish an Energy Star appliance rebate program.

The Alabama Energy Efficient Rebate Program began on April 19, 2010 to coincide with Earth Day and will continue through May 9, unless funds are exhausted before then.  Appliances must be purchased during the rebate period to qualify for a rebate. 

Alabamians have reserved approximately 18,500 rebates. The reserved rebates are worth approximately $2 million and total approximately half the available funds, according to a press release from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

“It is a program that came out of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which the economic stimulus bill,” said Mike Presley, spokesperson for The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. “The money is from the U.S. Department of Energy, and they allocated money to each state.”

Eligible Energy Star appliances include clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners and rebate amounts will range from $25 to $150.  

Eligible applicants must be Alabama residents who are 18 years or older and must be replacing an existing appliance to apply for rebates. 

For more information about the program, go to Alabama adult residents may reserve or apply for a rebate on the website or by calling 1-877-856-6645. You will not be able to reserve or apply for rebates until that time.

hhgregg offers a wide selection of Energy Star Rated green appliances at locations in and around Montgomery and Burmingham.

Here's how it works. Sony enthusiasts may enter the contest by writing 200 words or less why they should be the Sony Style X10 blogger. Ten finalists will be selected from the entries. Each will receive a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 phone, PSPgo System and FIFA Soccer 10 game.

Beginning on May 17, the finalists will compete against one another by blogging for a week on topics including their Sony prizes, soccer and travel to South Africa.

The judging panel includes Jose Andrade, chief editor for Engadget Spanish, Mario Armstrong, tech contributor to NPR's Morning Edition program, and Fredy Wiles, director of multimedia for Terra Networks USA.

The grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to South Africa to attend the semi-final and final game of the FIFA World Cup, a Sony Reader Pocket Edition, a Sony a330 DSLR camera and will become a guest blogger on the Sony Blog.

The World Cup will be held in the newly-built Green Point Stadium overlooking the sea in Cape Town from June 11 through July 11 this summer. For the first time, the event will be sponsored by Yingli Green Energy, the first renewable energy company to sponsor the FIFA World Cup™. FIFA announced its objective to make the world’s most popular sport not only a celebration of the game but also a sign of respect for the planet that we inhabit.

Ready. Set. Blog. See all Sony products at hhgregg.

This week hhgregg opened its central Pennsylvania locations in Harrisburg, York, Mechanicsburg, Lancaster, Hagerstown, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Winchester. To celebrate, we'll take a look at a childhood favorite, the Whoopie Pie. This old-fashioned treat comes from the heart of Pennsylvania, created by the Amish.

My favorite farmers markets are run by the Amish who have an eye for beautiful colors in flowers, canned goods and produce. Though I've never seen a Whoopie Pie stand, I am sure this version of the Whoopie Pie showcased on Thermador's Facebook Page would meet with Amish approval. The photos are from Baking Kids Love by Sur La Table and Cindy Mushet.

Whoopie Pies are like a sandwiches made from soft cakes with a fluffy white filling. These economical treats were originally made from leftover batter, and according to Amish lore, when children found these treats in their lunch baskets, they would shout, "Whoopie!"

This dessert is a great use for leftover cake batter, so it does not go to waste. Use fresh locally produced eggs and milk from your local market and organic cocoa for a treat that's eco-friendly and delicious.

Pennsylvania Amish Whoopie Pies
Makes 9

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease baking sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together shortening, sugar, and egg. In another bowl, combine cocoa, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, stir the vanilla extract into the milk. Add the dry ingredients to the shortening mixture, alternating with the milk mixture; beating until smooth.

Drop batter by the 1/4 cup (to make 18 cakes) onto prepared baking sheets. With the back of a spoon spread batter into 4-inch circles, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cake. Bake 15 minutes or until they are firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Make Whoopie Pie Filling. When the cakes are completely cool, spread the flat side of one chocolate cake with a generous amount of filling. Top with another cake, pressing down gently to distribute the filling evenly. Repeat with all cookies to make 9 pies. Pies may be decorated with icing and sprinkles for a more festive version.

To freeze, wrap each Whoopie Pie in plastic wrap. Loosely pack them in a plastic freezer container and cover. To serve, defrost the wrapped Whoopie Pies in the refrigerator.

Whoopie Pie Filling

3 egg whites, room temperature
2 cups light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

In large bowl of an electric mixer, add egg whites, corn syrup, and salt. Beat on high speed for approximately 5 minutes or until the mixture is thick and volume has almost doubled. On low speed, add powdered sugar and mix until well blended. Add vanilla extract just until well blended.

May be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 2 weeks.