Old Fashioned Whoopie Pies

1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 2/3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup buttermilk

FILLING
3 tbsp. all purpose flour
dash salt
1 cup milk
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
2 tsp. vanilla

In a small bowl, combine cocoa and water, mix well. Cool for 5 minutes. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add cocoa mixture, eggs and vanilla, mix well. Combine dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, mix well.Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a spoon.

Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool.

In a saucepan, combine flour and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook and stir over medium high heat until thick, 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat. Cover and refrigerate until completely cool. In a mixing bowl, cream shortrning, sugar and vanilla. Add chilled milk mixture, beat for 7 minutes or until fluffy.

Spread filling on half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies. Store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 2 dozen