DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know if Culligan water pitchers will take Brita filters?

I can’t seem to find any Culligan water pitchers anywhere. We need the filters. Have to know soon. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots found filters for both Brita and Culligan filters and pitchers at several sources online. Probably the easiest one for you — Sun Spots gathers you don’t use a computer — is Amazon.com, where you can buy just about anything. You can call them at 1-800-201-7575.

If there are local sources, perhaps someone will let the column know.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could anyone tell me how to make dry fondant sugar? I believe one of the ingredients is inverted sugar. I used to buy it at Kandi Kraft, which closed years ago. I use it to make my chocolates around the holidays. Thanks. — D.F., Poland

ANSWER: Sun Spots had never heard of fondant. According to online sources, it’s the sugar used in the cream center of many candies.

Several people responded to a similar question on answers.yahoo.com, including the following:

Food processor poured fondant: Heat 2 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup water and ¼ cup corn syrup to the soft-ball stage (238°F). Pour into the food processor fitted with the steel blade. Wash the candy thermometer well and reinsert into the syrup. Let the syrup cool undisturbed in the work bowl to 140°F, about 30 minutes. Remove the thermometer. Add any coloring or flavoring (vanilla, almond extract, etc.) and process 2 to 3 minutes, until the syrup completely converts from a glassy syrup to an opaque paste. When thoroughly cooled, store sealed at room temperature for 24 hours. Use or refrigerate for later use.

You can also buy dry fondant at Amazon.com, the purveyor of just about everything.

GREETINGS SUN SPOTS: Once again, Sun Spots is asked for its always helpful assistance.

I am a behavioral health professional and have an adult client with autism. Part of this active and energetic person’s plan is walking and hiking.

Our sessions are in the late afternoon, and we are pleased to have access to beautiful Thorncrag sanctuary, Bates College’s outdoor track, and other outdoor recreational facilities.

As days become shorter, I am seeking an indoor walking track open to the public in the late afternoon, weekdays. Neither Bates nor Bowdoin Colleges offer public use of their indoor facilities.

Does anyone know of an indoor walking track we can use that is free or of low cost between Lewiston-Auburn and Freeport? I am aware of “walking groups” in local malls, but seasonal bustle would be prohibitive for my client.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. A message may be left at 215-4594 or via Sun Spots. Thank you. — No Name via email

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). Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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