DEAR SUN SPOTS: To all the great cooks out there, I have a problem I need help with. I have a new Frigidaire range that has a recessed cooking element in the oven. Since purchasing this range I have had a difficult time with baking. The muffins, rolls, etc. do not brown. I tried adjusting the racks and using the speed bake (“convection” — a fan comes on and it circulates the air around). This is supposed to brown pastry more evenly.
A repair man came and tested the oven, and it is heating to the right temperature. He thought the circulating fan may need replacing, so that is being done. When I called Frigidaire’s help line, I was told to leave my pastry in the oven longer. That’s what she did when her stuff did not brown. The muffins cook but when you remove them they are white with no browning. Needless to say, I am very unhappy with this stove. Has anyone else had a problem with this type of oven? Thank you. — No Name, No Town
ANSWER: Sun Spots found the following response to a similar question on justanswer.com:
“The most common things that cause this problem are too large of cooking sheets being used and not enough preheat time. If you use very large baking sheets, the heat doesn’t circulate properly and things brown on the bottom but not the top. As far as preheat, I know the timer and manual says about 10 minutes, but that is inaccurate. You need to preheat a minimum of 20 minutes, and 30 minutes is better if you are doing cookies or something that cooks in a short time.
“Most recipes have a little note at the end that says something like, ‘Baking times vary. You may need to adjust your baking times and/or temperature.’ I have found a huge difference when going from an old range to a new one and had to change times and temperatures to fit the oven. You may need to experiment a bit as the oven your friend uses may not cook exactly like yours, hence the timing is a bit off.”
Perhaps readers can add some additional thoughts on your problem.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am interested in getting your assistance to see if you can even do this for me. I am not seeking advertising but feedback. This is my question: I am a dog groomer in the area. I am looking public feedback to see if there would be any interest in starting up a mobile grooming unit to go to the residences of seniors and shut-ins’ and handicapped to groom their pets by appointment. This would be about an $8,000 investment for me, but i am always looking for ways to help those that need it. Thank you for any information. — Fred Grace, No Town
ANSWER: How about it, readers? If you would use such a service, let Sun Spots know and she’ll publish the results.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for Kate Pastore, who formerly worked at the Kennel Shop in Lewiston on East Avenue. She was the only one who was able to cut my Shiba Inu’s nails. It used to take five people to do it and about a half hour. She was able to do it in less than two minutes!
Nothing means more to me than being able to take care of my dog’s needs. He means the world to me. Unfortunately, I discovered her right before she left the Kennel Shop, and when I went back she was gone. She was only able to do “Bruin’s” nails once. If anyone has any information of where she might have relocated, it would be greatly appreciated. It would save my dog a lot of anxiety. Thank you.
My e-mail is chelsmo87@hotmail.com; my phone number is 330-0842. — Chelsea Morin, Greene
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a Kenmore sewing machine instruction book, Model No. 158 1212180. Please contact Laura at 446-3035. — Zee, No Town
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