DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know of any dog groomers in the area who will come to your home to groom a dog? Thank you in advance! — Beth, Greene

ANSWER: Sun Spots has had requests for dog groomers before, but she does not know if any of them will come to your home. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for the great job you do!! I always read your column; it is very informative.

I would like to know if you could help me find a vendor that sells melted popcorn window decorations?

I also could use some really easy microwave recipes for fudge or cake for one in a mug and also brownie for one in a cup. Thank you for all your help. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots found some vintage melted popcorn Christmas decorations on eBay. You might also try thrift stores. Or perhaps readers will have suggestions.

As for the chocolate mug cake, here are a couple that Sun Spots can publish because they previously appeared in the the Sun Journal’s series on thrifty eating.

The first recipe is from Bethel Shields of Auburn. It isn’t especially low-priced to make, but only preparing one mug of cake eases the dessert strain on couples or those who live alone.

“It doesn’t leave an entire cake to go stale, or tempt you to eat more than you want, which actually does save money,” she said.

The cake is rich. One mug may have to be shared, she said. This recipe can be divided into two smaller mugs or four custard cups, and can be multiplied easily.

1 12-ounce microwavable mug

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional, but not for many women!)

Small splash of vanilla

Using a bowl, add dry ingredients, mix well. Add the egg, mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil, and mix. If using chocolate chips, add and mix again.

Pour into mug, put in microwave on high and cook for 3 minutes. 

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed. Allow to cool. Tip out onto plate if desired. Enjoy!

Bethel’s tip: Instead of the usual semi-sweet chips, try bittersweet chocolate bits.

The second recipe is from Jane Biddle of Buckfield.

In a large mug put 2 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well.

Add 1 large egg and mix well. Add 2 tablespoons milk and 2 tablespoons of oil. Mix well.

Add 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and a splash of vanilla. Mix well once again.

Put mug in microwave for two minutes on high. Enjoy! 

If you’d like to see more mug-based recipes, check out Stacey J. Miller’s “101 Recipes for Microwave Mug Cakes” (http://tinyurl.com/4ytcqu9). There’s also a gluten-free version: “101 Recipes for Gluten-Free Microwave Mug Cakes” (http://tinyurl.com/3peg73b).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Jan. 9, Barbara from Auburn was looking for Dip-It to clean her coffee percolator. I worked many years in restaurants and early on was shown that bleach water is the best way to clean coffeemaker parts.

It can be used on plastic and stainless steel parts. Make sure to rinse very well. It should not be run through the coffeemaker. And it should not be used on aluminum.

I hope this helps Barbara and anyone else that has trouble getting coffee oil/residue off. — Trying to Help, Auburn

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.

Copy the Story Link