OLD FASHIONED WHOOPIE PIES

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

FILLING:
3 Tbsps 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 tablespoonsful 2 in. 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 shortening, 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 refrigerator.

Yield: 2 dozen