Dear Sun Spots: Last year at the Festival de Joie, there was a girl from Fort Kent, I believe, by the name of Melanie Saucier. I was wondering if you could please get her or her parent’s address. She was going to make a CD, and I was wondering if she did because I would like to order one. Thanks. – M.S., Wilton.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Diane Nadeau-Saucier in Fort Kent, who says Melanie turned 10 years old Saturday, April 30. A happy belated birthday to Melanie from column readers!

In addition, Nadeau-Saucier says her daughter has completed recording a CD of French and English songs. It was recorded in Quebec. However, they are still working with copyright permissions. She expects the CD to be released in June, and Sun Spots has asked her to please contact the column once it is. You and others might want to check back with the column in June.

In the meantime, you and other fans might be interested in noting that Melanie Saucier will be appearing at the La Kermesse Festival held in Biddeford. That festival starts with a block party Thursday, June 24, and continues through Sunday, June 27. Advance Kermesse buttons will be available for $12 beginning May 1 until June 22. Buttons are valid for the entire weekend. Children 10 and under are free. Daily admission Friday is $10, Saturday $12 and Sunday $10. To get your buttons, contact Hannaford, 299 Elm St., Biddeford, (207) 284-8677 and at 532 Main St., Saco, (207) 282-4152. Contact Shaw’s at 510 Alfred St., Biddeford, (207) 283-8616 and at 11 Saco Valley Shopping Center, Saco, (207) 284-5928.

For group tickets contact La Kermesse President Pris Gagnon at (207) 282-2894, (207) 468-3921.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for a great column. I read and enjoy it every day. I hope you will be able to help me find “starter” for Amish Friendship Bread. Two or three years ago, I made this bread several times and shared the starter with friends. I would like to make it once again, but it’s not possible unless someone shares starter with me or can give me a recipe for starter. This bread takes 10 days of stirring daily and adding ingredients on the fifth and 10th day. It is delicious and makes a great gift for a friend. I may be reached at (207) 782-8590 Thanks. – G., No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located the following recipe online at www.cooks.com:

Amish friendship bread starter ingredients & method: 3 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, 3 cups milk.

On day 1: In glass or plastic bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk. Stir mixture with wooden or plastic spoon (don’t use metal spoon or electric mixer). Cover bowl loosely with paper towel, cloth, wax paper or plastic wrap. Keep at room temperature (don’t refrigerate).

On days 2, 3 and 4: Using wooden or plastic spoon, stir mixture once each day.

On day 5: Add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk; stir.

On days 6, 7, 8 and 9: Using wooden or plastic spoon, stir mixture once each day.

On day 10: Add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk. Remove 3 cups of mixture and give 1 cup each to three friends. Save remaining starter for yourself.

Amish friendship bread ingredients: 1 cup Amish friendship bread starter, 2/3 cup oil, 3 eggs, 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoon vanilla, 1½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup sugar. Method: In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Bake in two well-greased and floured or sugared 9-by-5-inch bread pans. Bake in 350-degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Note: Raisins, chopped apples, drained, crushed pineapple, candied fruit, coconut, mashed banana, dates, chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips (½ cup each) may be added to batter before baking.

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