Dear Sun Spots: Would you know or the readers know of a delicious vegetarian bean recipe and what to use instead of salt pork or bacon to flavor it using no fat? Thanks. I can be reached at (207) 375-9901. – No Name, Sabattus.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, hopefully you and your family will enjoy the following:

Baked Beans from the McDougall 300 recipes you can make in under 15 minutes book: Ingredients: 1 onion chopped; 1 green bell pepper chopped; 1 red bell pepper chopped; 3 cans red beans; ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed; 1/3 cup molasses; 1/3 cup mustard. Method: Combine the onion, peppers and beans in a casserole dish. Mix the sugar, molasses and mustard together and add to the bean mixture. Stir and bake for one hour at 350 degrees.

Boston Baked Beans. Ingredients: 2½ cups dried navy or kidney beans – soaked 5 hours; 1/3 cup molasses; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon dry mustard; ¼ teaspoon cayenne; 1 teaspoon Bakon yeast (available at health food stores); 2 teaspoons tamari; 2 medium onions – chop in large pieces; 2 bay leaves; 3 cloves garlic – minced; 1 teaspoon salt; freshly cracked pepper. Method: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Drain water from the beans, cover with fresh water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then drain again. Whisk together the molasses, sugar, mustard, cayenne, Bakon yeast and tamari in a bowl, then mix with the beans and add the onions, bay leaves, garlic, salt and pepper. Place in a bean pot or 2-quart baking dish and add water to cover the beans. Cover and bake until the beans are very soft, 7 to 8 hours. Check periodically and add more water, if needed, to keep the beans from drying out. Remove the cover during the last half hour of cooking so a crust can form. Serve with corn bread and a salad. NOTE: Bakon yeast contributes the smoky flavor instead of using salt pork. A crockpot would work fine with this recipe.

Dear Sun Spot: I know that in the past some readers have asked Sun Spots for help to find baby food jars. I have some of the 4-ounce and 6-ounce jars that have covers. If anyone is interested, I can be reached at (207) 786-7133. Thank you. – Lucille C., Lewiston.

• The salon opening in the old SeniorPlus’ building is Cloud 9 Day Spa & Wellness Center, 465 Main St., Lewiston, (207) 777-1624. Unfortunately, incorrect information was provided to the Aug. 2 column regarding a request about a new salon opening in the Lewiston area.

Dear Sun Spots: Would you please give me the address for St. Jude’s. I have many cards that I would like to send to them. Thank you for all the information we get from Sun Spots. Please keep up the good work. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to the Web site of the St. Jude’s Ranch, www.stjudesranch.org, they are not currently accepting card fronts because they have more than they can use. You might want to check back with them at a later date.

You can reach them at: St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude St., Boulder City, NV 89006-0100. You can also reach them via phone at (800) 492-3562.

Dear Sun Spots: Is there anyone in the Rumford area who would like some used greeting cards? Also, I have some canceled postage stamps if anyone is interested.

I have been saving both and would like to give them to anyone who is interested in having them. I hate to throw them out. – No Name, Roxbury.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please tell me what the address is for the program “Home Makeover” that comes on twice a week. I would appreciate it. – No Name, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots believes you are referring to ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” reality program. You can contact them at Box 78, 10061 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, CA 91602.

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 Advice section under Opinion on the left hand corner of your computer screen.

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