Recipe - Whoopie pies

Pre-heat oven to 180degC (360F)/ gas mark 4 and line two trays with baking paper

Ingredients (Makes about nine large or 24 mini whoopee pies)

280g (10 oz) plain flour

One teaspoon baking powder

11⁄2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

125g (4 oz) unsalted butter

100g (31⁄2 oz) caster sugar

100g (31⁄2 oz) light brown sugar

One large egg

120ml buttermilk

One teaspoon pure vanilla extract

200g (7 oz) dark chocolate chips

Chocolate Marshmallow filling

100g (31⁄2 oz) dark chocolate, broken into small pieces

Three egg whites

150g (51⁄4 oz) caster sugar

2 tablespoon golden syrup

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method

1. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda

2. Stir in the salt and set aside

3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy

4. Add the egg and mix well

5. Measure the buttermilk into a jug and add the vanilla

6. Pour this into the butter mixture and beat well

7. Slowly add the dry ingredients and stir in the chocolate chips before chilling for 30 minutes.

8. Drop 18 large or 48 small scoops of batter, about 5cm apart, onto the prepared baking trays.

9. Bake in the middle of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes for large, or eight to 10 minutes for mini whoopies, until the cakes are left with a slight impression when touched with a finger

10. Remove from the oven to a wire rack and cool completely

Filling

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water

2. Once the chocolate has  melted, take the bowl off the pan and leave it to cool slightly

3. Place the pan of water back onto the heat and bring to a boil

4. Weigh the remaining ingredients into a stainless steel bowl of a freestanding mixer and place the bowl over the pan

5. Whisk continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is frothy and slightly opaque. This will take around 10 to 15 minutes

6. Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer to the mixer. Whip the mixture on high speed until it is white and thick and holds its shape

7. Fold in the melted chocolate and use straight away

To assemble

Pipe or spread a generous amount of the marshmallow filling onto the flat surface of a cooled whoopee and top with another whoopee to make a sandwich

Top tip

Make extra bases and freeze, you can always make the marshmallow at a later date. The marshmallows also make a great covering for the middle,top and sides of a chocolate cake

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