Homemade Twinkie Challenge

Step 5 Go Organic

Spongy like angel food cake

Organic Twinkies seemed like the next logical step.  I saw a video on YouTube which demo'ed the Chow’s recipe in an organic ideation, but it had some of its info wrong! 

It’s a tricky filling, but rest assured, it's really not as hard as it sounds.  I got it right on the first shot, and I’m positive you will too.
 
Makes 12-16 small or 8 large Twinkies.

 
Cake:

• 3 large organic eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup organic granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup organic all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
  

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat egg yolks on medium speed, adding sugar a little at a time, until mixture is thick and light in color, about 5 minutes.

In a separate large bowl, whisk egg whites until medium peaks form.

Fold whites into yolk mixture until well incorporated.

Sift flour and baking powder into batter, and fold just until incorporated.

Mix in vanilla extract.

Filling:

• 4 ounces organic mascarpone or cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped, seeds reserved (or 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract)
• 3 large organic egg whites
• 2/3 cup organic granulated sugar

Combine cheese and vanilla bean and seeds (or vanilla extract, if using) in a bowl and mix until cheese is soft and ingredients are evenly combined; reserve.

Simmer 1 inch of water in a medium pot. Combine egg whites and sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Make a double boiler by placing the bowl with the egg mixture over the pot of simmering water. (Do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water.) Whisk egg mixture continuously until it reaches 110°F, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Place mixture in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whisk on medium speed until it has doubled in volume, about 5 to 7 minutes. (The egg mixture should be glossy and hold a soft peak.) Add cheese mixture and beat just until smooth.

Cover mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.