Recently I've had an opportunity to go back and improve the recipe for the Hostess Twinkie clone found on page 47 of the first book, "Top Secret Recipes." Specifically, I wanted to make the creme filling more stable, using non-dairy ingredients, so that it could not spoil and would be easier to make. Here now, is the much improved recipe, using fewer ingredients than the original clone, and with marshmallow creme as the new secret component. This recipe is for all of you who have supported the site by buying the books, since the cake part of the recipe and mold-making technique is not included here. But even if you don't have the books, I'm sure you can find many uses for this versatile, commercial-style, creme filling. Hope you like it!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons very hot water
rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups marshmallow creme from a 7-ounce jar
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla