Dear Sun Spots: Some time ago I had a recipe for soft molasses cookies, which I have misplaced.

I’m wondering if anyone out there has a soft molasses cookie recipe they’d like to share. I’d certainly appreciate it. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots hopes you and your family enjoy the following recipes:

Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies recipe from http://southernfood.about.com/library/prntnews/pn456.htm.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, measure after sifting; 2 teaspoons baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1¼ cups butter, at room temperature (1½ sticks); 1 cup dark brown sugar – firmly packed; 1 large egg; ¼ cup molasses.

Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit with the rack in the center position. Line two heavy-duty baking sheets with parchment paper or butter the baking sheets and dust with flour, shaking out the excess.

Use a hand mixer fitted with the beater attachment on low speed to combine the first six ingredients. Add the remaining ingredients, increase the heat to medium, and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll the chilled dough into walnut-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake until the tops are dry, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Makes 30 to 36 cookies.

Also from the same Web site: Soft Molasses Cookies. Ingredients: 1 cup molasses, ½ cup shortening, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup evaporated milk soured with 1 tablespoon vinegar, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1¾ teaspoons baking soda, pinch of salt, 3 cups sifted flour. Method: Mix the first 8 ingredients in order given. Stir in the flour until the mixture is stiff enough to hold a spoon upright. Drop from teaspoon on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until done, about 10 to 15 minutes. Omit salt and soda if using self-rising flour.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m looking for an aluminum Christmas tree to decorate the hall for our annual family Christmas party. If somebody out there has one they want to get rid of, please call (207) 782-9429 or (207) 743-7758. – Doris D., Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I understand that the Troy-Bilt factory has gone out of business. Can you find out where we Troybilt owners can find parts and service for our older models? I have a Chipper Vac, a Toughcut lawnmower, a Pony tiller and a mini-tiller. Will the company that bought them out continue to manufacture parts for older models? What brand name will the new owner sell equipment under? Any information will be helpful. Thanks. – Marilyn Burgess, Leeds.

Answer: As of September 2001, MTD Inc. bought out the Troybilt line in bankruptcy court and is still making Troybilt products. Sun Spots spoke with Kevin at Central Maine Equipment, Garland Road, Winslow, (207) 873-4945, who says MTD is selling some Troybilt products and also selling some MTD snowblowers under the Troybilt name. There are no more tractors, and Kevin says the chippers and shredders were sold to Murray Ohio which will be continuing that line.

Central Maine equipment is able to service your Troybilt equipment and has parts. They are open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. You may also want to contact:

Waterman Farm Machinery Co. Inc., 827 Sabattus Road, Sabattus, ME 04280, (207) 375-6561.

Reids Service Center, 688 Main St., Oxford, 04270, (207) 539-4425.

R.S. Osgood & Sons, 1101 US Route 2 West, East Dixfield, ME 04227, (207) 645-4934.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.

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