Dear Sun Spots: I am hoping you can please help me. I am looking for two of the cross stitch designs by Tom Browning. They are Santa’s Cuisine and Santa’s Walk On The Beach.

I have tried the Internet. Any information would be greatly appreciated. – Thanks. No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots contacted the Browning Collection and was advised that these patterns are about 15 years old and it’s doubtful that they can be located for you. The collection does not have them. Sun Spots located some references to them on the Internet, but unfortunately nothing has shown up patternwise. So, hopefully column readers may be able to assist you here.

Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if anyone knows the recipe for making duck sauce? The one you get at the Chinese restaurant, I think, is made with applesauce and something else. Thanks. – M.S., No Town.

Answer: A possibility is the following posted online at www.steaks-guide.com: Ingredients: 5 cups of chopped fruit (use things like apples, oranges, plums, pears, and cherries), 1 cup of water, ¾ cup of apple juice, 1 tsp of soy sauce, 1 Tbls of apricot preserve, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ tsp of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of dried mustard. Method: Place the fruit in a stock pot first, turning it up to a medium temperature. Followed right behind the fruit is all the other ingredients. Make sure you stir frequently to let the dry ingredients dissolve. Once dissolved reduce the heat and simmer for about 40 minutes, remove from heat and let it cool. After its cool pour the mixture into a food processor, blender, or smoothie maker, blend the mixture until it has a smoothie like texture.

In the time it takes to cook the duck and make all your other side dishes you have a new flavorful duck sauce recipe to use with it. This can be poured over the duck, meat or used as a dip. A nice trick is to pour this over a duck breast and then top with a couple of mandarin orange slices. Things like this not only up the taste of your cooking but also dramatically improve the presentation of it.

In addition, you might also enjoy this Duck Sauce recipe from www.recipezaar.com:

Ingredients: 1 cup applesauce, ½ cup apricot preserves, 2 Tbls. honey, 2/3 cup cider vinegar, ¼ ts. crushed garlic. Method: Add ingredients to a small saucepan. Cook on medium heat until hot, stirring so it doesn’t stick to the pan. Cool and serve.

• Readers wondering about the former Autumn Day Spa in Auburn and gift certificate redemption should please note the following posting online at www.sunjournal.com submitted by Crystal, the owner:

I am the owner of Autumn Day Spa and due to some unfortunate circumstances the building that I lease has been foreclosed on and I vacated the premises. I am in the process of trying to find another location so please keep your eye out for a advertisement in the Sun Journal of the new location. Unfortunately, it is going to take some time because I have to reapply for my license and go through the inspections again. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. All gift certificates will be fully redeemable when we reopen. Thank you. – Crystal.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for helping me. We have been cleaning out books and have heard that there are stores that buy used paperback books for credit. Do you know of any in the local area, other than Mr. Paperback in Lewiston? Or are there any organizations that we can donate them to? Again, we enjoy your column. – Bea Loux, Casco.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try Artios Books in Auburn at 786-4007. They do purchase used books as well as offer credit and would be happy to assist you.

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. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].