Q: I have found a recipe for my grandmother’s fruit soup. It is a Swedish dessert, and I’m having a problem finding the variety of the dried fruit that the recipe calls for. Apricots, plums and cherries are easy to locate, but I also need dried peaches and pears. Can you help me? Lucy Johnson, Lawrenceville
A: Lucy, I found both dried peaches and pears at Sprouts Farmers Market, 1250 Scenic Highway, Snellville, 678-690-1270, which is located in the Shoppes at Webb Gin. You'll find them near the bulk foods section, prepackaged in clear plastic clamshell containers. The dried peaches are priced at $10.99 per pound, and the pears, $9.99.
Q: I have very dark hair, and when I use dry spray shampoos, I always feel like they dull my hair because they seem to be formulated for lighter hair color. Where can I buy Moroccanoil dry shampoo for dark hair? Thanks. W. James, Johns Creek
A: Formulated for hair that's straight, tightly coiled and every type in between, Moroccanoil dry shampoo for dark tones cleans and refreshes your hair with fine rice starch that's formulated to not leave a chalky residue. It's paraben free, and available at Sephora, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta, 770-475-4878. A 5.4-ounce can costs $26.
Q: I am looking for adult Clearasil tinted acne treatment cream. This is my wife’s choice of creams, but I cannot find it, and this is the only one she wants to use. Please let me know where I can find it even if I have to buy it online. Thank you in advance. I would like to find it for her birthday, which is coming up very soon. Gary Cruz, Atlanta
A: Gary, while I'm sure she'll be thrilled with her birthday Clearasil, I'm rather hoping you'll seriously consider adding some fresh flowers or — better still — a piece of jewelry to the mix. You'll find the tinted Clearasil for $7.99 per one-ounce tube at CVS, 680 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 404-892-1164. Each tube of the tinted Clearasil is priced at $7.99.
Q: We are having a hard time finding a 5-quart pot with a long handle. We’ve been using one each year to make peanut brittle. The pan is just big enough so that it doesn’t boil over. I have others hunting but they can’t find it. Please help. Mary Kelley, Grantville
A: I think I found an ideal pan for your candy-making projects, Mary. It's a bit larger than what you requested, but that shouldn't be a problem, and it's very affordable at only $16.55. Check out the 5.5-quart, dent-resistant saucepan by Carlisle. It features a long handle covered with a heat-resistant sleeve. It's available at Atlanta Fixture and Sales, 3185 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, 770-455-8844. You can take a look at it online at www.atlantafixture.com. The item number is Carlisle 60352RS.
