'Origin of the Gob'

No — it's not what you think.

The headline of this post was the headline of a story that appeared in the Johnstown [Pennsylvania] Tribune–Democrat about the signature sinfully sweet treat of that city.

Gobs (above) are little cakes with icing on the inside instead of on the outside.

"Susan Kalcik, folklorist and archivist from with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission in Johnstown, said her research shows that the Gob's origin can be traced back to medieval Germany."

Kalcik added that once a Gob leaves Johnstown it takes on a new identity: "'They don't call them Gobs, they're called Whoopie Pies (below),

she said. 'I've also found Whoopie Pies in New England and as far away as Hawaii.'"

Tim Yost, the owner of the Dutch Maid Bakery in Johnstown, owns the name "Gobs," which he purchased from Harris & Boyar Bakery in Morrellville, Pennsylvania.

Yost loved Gobs as a little boy and told the Tribune–Democrat, "Little did I know that we'd be making it someday. When the opportunity presented itself to obtain the rights to the Gob, we pursued it vigorously."

He told the paper that his recipe was a secret and added, "I would say Gobs are our biggest seller."

While we're on the subject, let's not allow the signature Southern iteration, the beloved Moon Pie (below)

to go remarked.

No, I'm not gonna leave you like this — I know what you're like and what you're in the mood for right about now....

Tim Yost's Dutch Maid Bakery does not appear to have a website, according to my crack research team.

However — if you're in the neighborhood (they're at 809 Scalp Avenue in Johnstown) you could stop by and pick up some Gobs for the gang.

Or you could call Tim at 814-266-3191 and see if he'd ship you some.

Don't forget to tell him I sent you in order to qualify for special bookofjoe pricing (it's twice the regular price, this being the Bizarro World and all... but I digress).

The Pie Shoppe of Laughlintown, Pennsylvania makes its own version of Gobs (below)

and sells them via the internet.

That's the good news.

The bad news is that they only do so on an occasional basis: last year's Gobs months were June, July and August.

They haven't yet announced their plans for 2006 but you can email the shoppe here or call them at 724-238-9536 and ask.

You can order Whoopie Pies here.

If Moon Pies are more your style, hey, here you go.

[via Mark B., who informs me that the Gobs package is "decorated with the image of a sailor"]

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Bonus: the Tribune–Democrat published a recipe for Gobs should you wish to whip up a batch.

Here goes:

Chocolate Gobs

2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup of boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sour milk (1 Tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar to sour it)
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

Mix sugar, shortening, eggs, milk, water and vanilla. Then sift together flour, baking powder, soda and cocoa.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the first mixture, beating constantly until well mixed. Drop by tablespoon on engrossed cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. Cool before icing.

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Really have a lot of time on your hands?

Why not do a Gobs smackdown?

Here's another recipe.

And yet a third.

Sweet.