Dear Sun Spots: In response to G. Graham’s request for Chinese chop suey:

We are lucky enough to have fresh bean sprouts available in our local supermarket. I only use canned bean sprouts as a last resort. They have a canny off-taste and get real mushy when cooked. When using fresh bean sprouts, put them in last and barely cook them.

My dad, the late George Curran, grew and sold bean sprouts in Lewiston-Auburn for many years. When he passed away, my brother Paul Curran took over, and then the Laberge brothers. My sister and I spent many hours after school washing, weighing and bagging the sprouts for delivery to local stores.

My mother provided the recipe for chop suey on the label. It is a dish enjoyed by many, and quite inexpensive. – Ruth Curran Linehan, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for “Ed and daughter” who came to my house to purchase some merchandise. At the time I was unable to find part of a set. I have since found it but have lost Ed and daughter’s cell phone number. Please call me at 782-3267. Thank you. – No Name, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I am responding to the Dec. 1 column and the request for sweet potato pie. My sister-in-law Hazel Higgins of Dresden sent me the recipe:

Sweet potato pie ingredients: ¼ cup butter, 1/3 cup milk, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups mashed, sweet potato, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3 eggs, plain pastry, 1/3 cup corn syrup. Method: Cream together the butter and sugar. Add mashed potatoes and slightly beaten eggs. Mix well. Combine with syrup, milk, salt and vanilla. Line pie pan with plain pastry. Turn mixture into the pan. Bake in a hot, 425-degree oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes. – Grances Bixby, Hebron.

Dear Sun Spots: To Malinda Liberty’s Drummer: I am another person that’s looking for Christmas in Maine tape or CD. I have a large family, and we all enjoyed listening to it. It is a very scarce item. If anyone can help, please let me know. I can be reached via phone at (207) 897-6594 or via post at P.O. Box 157, Jay, ME 04239. – Genelle R. Gingras, Jay.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like the address for actress Candice Bergen from the Murphy Brown show. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Try contacting her at 955 South Carrillo Drive, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

Dear Sun Spots: I am hoping some of your readers can help out!

I am the Box Tops for Education coordinator for Turner Elementary School. We are collecting these to help raise money for our school. The box tops are found on many products such as General Mills cereals, El Paso Taco Products, Green Giant vegetables, Trix yogurt and yogurt, Pillsbury Products and Betty Crocker products. The goal for the school is $1,000 in box tops. If you have some that you can donate please contact me at 754-8170. Thank you! – Laurie Labbe, Turner.

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