foodie fridays: homemade chocolate twinkies with meringue filling

Did you know that the Twinkie was invented in 1930 by James Alexander Dewar of Continental Baking Company (now Hostess)?

Did you know that Mr. Dewar came up with the name Twinkiewhen he spotted a billboard in St. Louis for “Twinkle Toe Shoes”?

Did you know that the original filling was banana cream, but when WWII started they had to ration bananas and went to a vanilla based filling?

Raise your hand if you knew all three? Yeah, me neither. The only one I kind of knew was the banana cream filling because for some reason I was blessed with the ability to remember factoids. Why I can’t remember useful information like the Quadratic formula is beyond me.

However, today’s post will not require knowledge of that mathematical formula. Phew. Today’s recipe will only require your eyeballs and a little bit of OOhooing and Aaahing. The reason I bring up the Twinkie history, I thought it would be fun to teach you how to make them at home! Oh, and the sugar attack doesn’t stop there. Not only are we making Twinkies, we are making chocolate Twinkies, and filling them with meringue! Do wha? I know. Hold on to your Hostess seats!

Lets start with how you make these darn things.

First, you want to tear off a piece of foil (I used 8 x 12 inch length). Fold the foil long ways and crease the sides to make sure it’s sealed. Next, place a spice bottle in the center and fold, and press around the bottom of the bottle leaving the top exposed. Still with me? Then take the spice bottle out. If you want to add another layer of foil to make sure it’s tightly sealed then go for it! Once you are done making your little Twinkie boats, spray them with non-stick cooking spray.

Next, stir together the chocolate cake mix and fill the boats halfway up with the batter. Aren’t they cute? Bake for about 17 to 20 minutes or until that toothpick comes out clean. LET THEM COOL COMPLETELY before pumping them full of meringue.

In my opinion, the next part is the best. Once your chocolate Twinkies have cooled, take a small utensil and poke three holes along the bottom. Try not to poke through leaving a giant whole. That would be no bueno. Take the meringue you have whipped up and pipe it into the three holes. Lick your fingers if necessary.

After you’re done piping and assembling, eat as many as you can because a sneaky significant other might try and eat them before you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Makes 12 to 18

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

1 box favorite chocolate cake mix

3 eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 and 1/2 cups water

 for the meringue filling:

3 egg whites, room temperature

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

First, you want to tear off a piece of foil (I used 8 x 12 inch length). Fold the foil long ways and crease the sides to make sure it’s sealed. Next, place a spice bottle in the center and fold, and press around the bottom of the bottle leaving the top exposed. Still with me? Then take the spice bottle out. If you want to add another layer of foil to make sure it’s tightly sealed then go for it! Once you are done making your little Twinkie boats, spray them with non-stick cooking spray.

Next, stir together the chocolate cake mix and fill the boats halfway up with the batter. Aren’t they cute? Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 to 20 minutes or until that toothpick comes out clean. LET THEM COOL COMPLETELY before pumping them full of meringue.

In my opinion, the next part is the best. Once your chocolate Twinkies have cooled, take a small utensil and poke three holes along the bottom. Try not to poke through leaving a giant hole. That would be no bueno. Take the meringue you have whipped up and pipe it into the three holes. Lick your fingers if necessary.

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tarter until combined. Gradually add sugar. Beat until soft peaks form. Put meringue filling into a Ziploc bag and cut corner tip of bag to be able to pipe. Pipe just enough meringue into the three holes. Serve.