Some of my colleagues over here passed around this New York Times news article yesterday about how this whoopie pie phenomenon (not to be confused with the whoopie cushion)  is sweeping the nation as a trend in must-have desserts. And while these mysterious looking bundles of probable deliciousness certainly do take the cake, uh, I mean cookie, what comment does this trend make about our society?

For the longest, the dessert du jour has been the cupcake — popularized by Magnolia Bakery’s appearance in Sex in the City, the cupcake is elegant, dainty, and…well, not a huge gob of cream and frosting with the word “whoopie” in it — not to mention your typical cupcake costs anywhere from $2-$5 these days. Whereas whoopie pies have a more humble heritage rooted in Pennsylvania Amish tradition, and can be bought rather cheaply just about anywhere (although I’m guessing that’s about to change), especially on Maine or Pennsylvania roadsides. Perhaps something about the true Americaness (is that even a word) raises the comfort factor of this food, or perhaps it’s just that good. Who knows? But with flavors like pumpkin, red velvet, and strawberry, I’m ready to break my sorta-diet and dive into one of these “gobs”.

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