Q: Although dietitians recommend smaller portions and smaller plates, it is impossible to find dinner plates smaller than 10-plus inches in diameter. I have old ones from Ikea that are perfect at 9-and-one-half inches, but they are no longer available. Salad plates are too small. Any ideas? Cynthia Lawman, email
A: Cynthia, it’s true that since the 1960s, the size of an average American dinner plate has grown from about 9 inches to 12 inches, and beyond when you include the mammoth buffet plate that can measure a whopping 14 inches. The problem, of course, is that we tend to add more food to larger plates — usually far more than we need. In fact, a lot of people see the health benefits of not using large plates, and the idea has its own movement at www.smallplatemovement.org. The idea is to use 10-inch diameter plates rather than 12 inch, which decreases the amount of food you eat without affecting your notion of feeling full or satisfied. It sounds as if the plate you’re looking for is the nearly extinct luncheon plate, which sits in the middle, size wise, between a dinner plate and a salad plate. I’m not sure what your IKEA plates look like, but the store currently offers Dinera 10-inch plates for $3.49 each, as well as a white tempered glass plate that measures 9-and-3/4 inches called Oftast, which sells for 89 cents each. If you’re looking for a lifetime supply, then you might consider Vortex China Argyle 9-and-3/4-inch white porcelain plate from Atlanta Fixture and Sales, 3185 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, 770-455-8844. The restaurant supply stocks these plates but you have to buy a minimum of two dozen, which totals out to about $85.
Q: Can you please find Bakol gelatin-free dessert? I’m looking for the cherry flavor, but I’ll take what I can get. Thanks. Fred Cagle, email
A: Some folks call this vegan Jell-O but, of course, it’s not related to that gelatin dessert at all. I found Bakol gelatin-free Jel Dessert mix in three flavors — cherry, strawberry and raspberry — for 94 cents per 3-ounce box at Wal-Mart Supercenter, 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 770-395-0199. Bakol Jel contains no artificial flavors, and it’s kosher, gluten free and non GMO.
Q: Many years ago, I used a foundation called Solitair. It was a cake makeup that I realize is probably no longer popular today. I wouldn’t know where to begin looking for it as none of the stores I’ve looked in have it, and the young people who work there certainly have never heard of it. I would appreciate it if you could give me a place to start looking. Thank you so much. Maggie Peterson, email
A: Several cosmetic companies currently make cake foundation, which works best on skin that tends to be more on the oily side. The good news is that Solitair cake makeup, which goes on wet and dries to a powder finish, is now available through The Vermont Country Store. You can order this 1940s makeup staple online at www.vermontcountrystore.com, or you can speak with a customer service representative who can take your order over the phone at 800-547-7849. It comes in a black-and-white compact with a mirror, and sells for $19.95. Solitair is available in three shades.
Q: I’m visiting Atlanta, but may be here for a while. I’ve been looking for, but can’t find, a tamal factory or a place that makes tamales wrapped in husks and then steamed. I’m looking for them in the Buckhead area or somewhere near. K. Mortensen, email
A: Buckhead boasts its share of Mexican restaurants, however, it sounds as if you’ll find what you’re looking for by taking a short drive to Buford Highway, easily considered Atlanta’s funky wonderland of ethnic foods. Since you’re seeking tamales to take home, I suggest starting with Chicago Supermarket, 5263 Buford Hwy., Doraville, 770-452-1361. Forget the moniker, this market has nothing to do with the Windy City, instead it’s loaded with south-of-the-border ingredients along with some popular house-made tacos and tamales. You can select from chicken or pork tamales wrapped in banana leaves for $2.49 each, or the corn-wrapped versions that are available filled with chicken in green sauce, pork in red sauce, jalapeno-and-cheese and even sweet varieties. These tamales cost $1.79 each.
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