Q: Like a lot of people, I’m going gluten free, and I want to find a specific brand of baking mix without gluten and nuts that makes crepes. It’s called Namaste. I used to use Pamela’s mix, but it’s made on equipment that makes nut products, and my grandson is allergic. I hope you can find this for me. Thank you so much. J. Glenn, email
A: Namaste gluten free waffle, pancake and crepe mix has fewer ingredients than Pamela’s, and it is nut free, and it isn’t manufactured with equipment that processes nut products. Ingredients include sweet brown rice flour, tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, rice milk powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and vanilla bean. Simply add eggs, oil and water to create perfect hot cakes and crepes. A 21-ounce box of Namaste mix is available for $6.29 at Publix, 104 Town Blvd., Brookhaven, 404-233-7475.
Q: I am looking for lefse (pronounced “lefsa”) in the Atlanta area. I lived in North Dakota for several years and loved lefse, which is a Norwegian food. It looks like a tortilla. Lefse is considered a Norwegian flat bread. It is made with flour and leftover mashed potatoes. I actually have a Scottish recipe called potato scone that uses the exact same ingredients. I have never tried to make lefse, but my mom always made the Scottish potato scone. I used to buy lefse frozen in the grocery stores in North Dakota. It is eaten warm or cold with sugar and cinnamon on it. I have lived in the metro Atlanta area for five years and I have given up trying to find lefse. I know that it can be ordered online from Scandinavian stores. With Atlanta being such a universal city, I am very surprised that I have been unable to find lefse here. Thank you. Colleen Lively, email
A: Good news, Colleen, you can find lefse locally. It’s available year round at Buford Highway Farmers Market, 5600 Buford Hwy., Atlanta, 770-455-0770. Mrs. Olson’s lefse sells for $5.99 for 10 pieces, or one pound. You’ll find it on aisle 11.
Q: I do not know if this even exists. I have a friend undergoing dialysis. It is cold where he gets his treatments, and he has to take a little blanket with him. He would like to get something lighthearted like cartoon kidneys, or even just kidneys on the blanket. I cannot find this anywhere. Can you help? Diane Green, email
A: Diane, I found a fleece blanket with four cartoon images describing four leading non-medical causes for kidney failure. These four animated and colorful scenes sound like what your friend is seeking. The blanket, which measures 50 by 60 inches, is priced at $59.35. These are custom made and available through zazzle.com. The blankets are made in Hendersonville, North Carolina by Manual WW.
Q: My boyfriend wants me to find an Italian beard oil called Proraso. He has a very thick beard and heard that this is a really good conditioner that wasn’t very expensive. I hope you can find this for us. Thanks. Gail Jackson, email
A: Formulated to tame long, thick beards, Proraso beard oil contains various oils, including walnut, sunflower, avocado and macadamia. It’s doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates. Proraso beard oil is available at Sephora, Lenox Square, Atlanta, 404-816-0123. A 1-ounce bottle with a dropper costs $16.
