DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone out there have a recipe for dumplings that aren’t heavy? I have tried with shortening and without, but they still come out heavy. What am I doing wrong? — H.B., Livermore

ANSWER: Sun Spots found several recipes for dumplings online, but websites get very tetchy about having their material printed in the newspaper. She did find these tips:

Don’t overmix the batter. It should be blended just well enough to mix the ingredients together.

Steam, don’t boil, the dumplings.

Don’t make the dumplings too large.

Most of the recipes Sun Spots reviewed called for using Bisquick or cake flour and no shortening, but some called for a small amount of butter or margarine. One explanation said the eggs bind the dough together.

Some of the good Maine cooks out there will surely have recipes or tips to share.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Nov. 22 and 23 requests for cooking supplies, one of the best kept local secrets is Campara’s in East Winthrop on Route 202 across from D.R. Struck’s nursery.

Campara’s has restaurant equipment, from doilies to stew pots and everything in between. They also have regular-size kitchen tools, including a KitchenAid mixer and the attachments. Happy holidays! — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: JC Penney carries a mixer with a dough hook. I have the best one myself. — No Name, Dryden

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Nov. 22 someone wrote to you looking for pressure cooker gaskets and parts. In Windsor there is a general store, Hussey’s. Their motto is: “If you can’t find it here, you don’t need it.”

I have visited them on my way to visit my sister in Belfast. Take Route 17 out of Augusta east toward Togus. It is about 15 miles to the store. Or call to see if they have what you need. I know they may even ship stuff to you.

Also, you might try L.M. Longley & Son, Norway, 743-8924. They have lots of stuff. Thank you. — John Kezal, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots looked up Hussey’s online. You can find them at 510 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME 04363, 445-2511.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Dec. 2 there was an inquiry in Sun Spots about fiberglass bathtub repair. You only had the Bathtub Man in your directory. Would you please add Corro’s Fiberglassing & Refinishing of Auburn to your Rolodex? My contact numbers are 783-5944 or 577-3023. I have been in the bathtub repair business for 32 years and have been refinishing bathtubs for the past five years. I travel the whole state of Maine. Thank you. — Steve Corro, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have several large tubs of cloth, including some large pieces of wool and polyester, that I would love to donate to a worthy cause. I need some help finding one. I also have some patterns, size 8 and 10, from the 1970s and ’80s. My mother was a wonderful seamstress, and I would love to see these used again. My email address is [email protected]. — Heather McCarthy, 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 e-mailed to [email protected].