Dear Sun Spots: I need a recipe for a cookie mix that is packed into a jar, to be given as gifts. All the recipient does is add the liquid ingredients. Thank you for your help. – Betty, Oxford.

Answer: Pampered Chef consultant Crystal Small introduced Sun Spots to this recipe last year, so we can attest to its goodness! The ingredients can be layered in a jar or a small batter bowl. Celebration Cookie mix ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries, ½ cup white or semi-sweet chocolate morsels, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup quick or old-fashioned oats, ½ cup pecan or walnut halves, coarsely chopped.

In small batter bowl or jar, layer ingredients as follows, gently patting each layer before adding the next ingredient: granulated sugar, cranberries, chocolate morsels, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats and pecans. Cover with lid. Attach gift tag with the list of additional ingredients needed: ¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter or margarine, softened; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Method: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, combine butter, eggs and vanilla; mix until well blended. Add cookie mix to butter mixture; mix until well blended. Using a scoop (about 2 tablespoons) drop dough 2 inches apart onto baking stone or cookie sheet. Flatten dough slightly using back of scoop. Bake 13-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove to cooling rack. Yield: 3 dozen cookies.

Another jarred recipe idea for “Spiral Soup” mix comes from http://www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar/.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon pepper, 3 teaspoons beef bouillon granules, ½ cup dried minced or flaked onion, 3½ cups of tri-colored spiral pasta (or enough to fill the jar).

Layering instructions: Starting with the parsley flakes and ending with the pasta, layer the ingredients, in the order given, in a wide-mouthed 1-quart Mason jar. If you want a more formal look, separate the tri-color pasta and make a layer of each color.

On the label or gift tag, list the following ingredients and recipe: 1 jar Spiral Soup mix, 8 cups of water, 2 cups of crushed or diced tomatoes. Bring water and tomatoes to a boil in large soup pot. Add the spiral soup mix and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until spirals are tender.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a collection of Reader’s Digest for the years of 1984 to 2006 that I would give away to anyone who is interested in coming and picking them up in Rumford. My telephone number is 364-3496. – P. Buckingham, Rumford.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a new home which has ABS plastic pipe for the drains as opposed to PVC. I have been unable to locate a retailer who stocks this type of pipe and fittings. I hope you can help. Thanks. – No Name, Albany Twp.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Lowe’s stocks a selection of ABS plastic pipe at their Auburn, Augusta and North Conway, N.H., locations. We recommend calling first to see if they have the specific pipe or fitting you need. Contact the Auburn store at (207) 514-2300, Augusta at (207) 620-5027 and North Conway at (603) 733-3036.

Dear Sun Spots: It is canning time again. I have some jars to give away, pints – jelly jars – to whoever can use them. Call 782-3515 to pick them up. – C.M.F., No Town. Dear Sun Spots: A well deserving girl is in need of a small piano. She had a large piano but had to give it away when they moved from a large house to a trailer because of her parents’ divorce. She is a high A student. They will pick up. Call 207-615-8108. Thanks. – Mrs. York, No Town.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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