DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for any organizations that could use yarn. I have a lot of different colors, mostly Red Heart brand. Email me at madmamma32001@yahoo.com or call 779-7692. — Melinda, no town
ANSWER: I’m sure your yarn will find a new home quickly. Having a knitting project sure helps pass the time on these long winter nights.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are the one to turn to all the time. In your vast audience does anyone have any easy recipes for pickled beets? I had some but can’t seem to find them. Thank you for all you do, Sun Spots. — Rose, Lewiston
ANSWER: Here’s one recipe and I hope readers will send in others so you have a few to choose from.
Pickled Beets: Scrub 8 fresh beets and trim tops to 1 in. Place in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 25-30 minutes or until tender. Remove from water; cool. Peel beets and slice; place in a bowl and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil then cook for 5 minutes. Strain out cloves and pour liquid over beets. Refrigerate at least one hour. Drain before serving.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: For Gloria looking for local honey (Jan. 31 Sun Spots), I recommend Bees Knee Honey. This is at Six Rivers Farm in Bowdoinham. Gloria can call Gabrielle to find out if she has beeswax also. I absolutely love their vegetable stand that is open year-round.
During the winter, the self-serve store is in the greenhouse. I love going there to see all those beautiful greens, somehow it makes them more delicious. — Louise, Lewiston
ANSWER: Six Rivers Farm is at 496 Browns Point Road. And yes, they are wonderful.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love, love your column and read it daily. Thank you for the uniqueness of it as it helps a lot of people with a lot of diverse issues.
Reading about Lorraine (Jan. 31 Sun Spots) with the smudged stainless steel appliance, I recently bought a product that is amazing to me called Lifeproof Home Ceramic Coating. It works great on granite, stainless steel and laminate. I saw it on Facebook but bought it on Amazon. It comes in an eight-ounce spray bottle and was a little pricey at $36, but it’s well worth it. I used it in November and still have not had to use it again, the product keeps everything shiny. — Mary, no town
ANSWER: Thank you for the tip. When I looked at the description online, I read that this product provides a “glass-like” coating that can only be removed with alcohol and that it shouldn’t be used on floors as it will make them slippery. If you want to try this product on your appliances, countertops and shower doors, etc. be sure to follow the directions carefully.
As far as the uniqueness of the column goes, I can’t take one bit of credit for that. I just answer the questions and comments as they come in. For me and our readers, the more diverse the better!
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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